Source: Bureau of Meteorology

For people in parts of Inner East, Inner, Northern, Outer East and Western Local Warning Areas.

Issued at 2:33 pm Tuesday, 24 February 2026.

VERY DANGEROUS THUNDERSTORMS PRODUCING INTENSE RAINFALL OVER THE NORTHERN, INNER NORTHERN AND INNER EASTERN SUBURBS OF MELBOURNE, AND OVER WARBURTON.

The Bureau of Meteorology warns that, at 2:30 pm, VERY DANGEROUS THUNDERSTORMS likely to produce intense rainfall that may lead to dangerous and life-threatening flash flooding were detected near Craigieburn and Warburton. These thunderstorms are moving towards the southeast. They are forecast to affect Preston, Coburg and Mill Park by 2:45 pm and Greensborough, Whittlesea and Doncaster by 3:00 pm.

38.4 mm was recorded at Spring Hill in the 1 hour 15 minutes to 2:00 pm.

A Severe Weather Warning for heavy rainfall is also current for Central, North Central, West and South Gippsland and parts of Northern Country, North East, Wimmera, East Gippsland, Mallee and South West Forecast Districts. Please check https://www.bom.gov.au/weather-and-climate/warnings-and-alerts for more information.

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.
* Stay informed: Monitor weather warnings, forecasts and river levels at the Bureau of Meteorology website, and warnings through VicEmergency website/app/hotline.