Source: Bureau of Meteorology

For people in East Gippsland, North East and parts of Northern Country and West and South Gippsland Forecast Districts.

Issued at 3:13 pm Tuesday, 1 February 2022.

Severe Thunderstorms in the east of Victoria.

Weather Situation: A very humid and unstable airmass east of a trough of low pressure moving across central parts of Victoria is producing severe thunderstorms.

Severe thunderstorms are likely to produce heavy rainfall that may lead to flash flooding and damaging winds over the next several hours in the East Gippsland, North East and parts of the Northern Country and West and South Gippsland districts. Locations which may be affected include Wodonga, Wangaratta, Bright, Bairnsdale, Orbost and Falls Creek.

Severe thunderstorms are likely to produce intense rainfall that may lead to dangerous and life-threatening flash flooding and damaging winds over the next several hours in parts of the North East district. Locations which may be affected include Bright, Falls Creek and Mt Hotham.

Bobinawarrah has recorded 35.2 mm in the 30 minutes to 3.03 pm.

The State Emergency Service advises that people should:
* If driving conditions are dangerous, safely pull over away from trees, drains, low-lying areas and floodwater. Avoid travel if possible.
* Stay safe by avoiding dangerous hazards, such as floodwater, mud, debris, damaged roads and fallen trees.
* Be aware - heat, fire or recent storms may make trees unstable and more likely to fall when it's windy or wet.
* Check that loose items, such as outdoor settings, umbrellas and trampolines are safely secured. Move vehicles under cover or away from trees.
* Stay indoors and away from windows.
* If outdoors, move to a safe place indoors. Stay away from trees, drains, gutters, creeks and waterways.
* Stay away from fallen powerlines - always assume they are live.
* Be aware that in fire affected areas, rainfall run-off into waterways may contain debris such as ash, soil, trees and rocks. Heavy rainfall may also increase the potential for landslides and debris across roads.
* Stay informed: Monitor weather warnings, forecasts and river levels at the Bureau of Meteorology website, and warnings through VicEmergency website/app/hotline.