Source: Bureau of Meteorology

For people in parts of Central, East Gippsland, Mallee, Northern Country, North Central and North East Forecast Districts.

Issued at 7:25 pm Tuesday, 24 February 2026.

VERY DANGEROUS LINE OF SEVERE THUNDERSTORMS OVER THE NORTH CENTRAL DISTRICT MOVING SOUTHEAST PRODUCING INTENSE RAINFALL AND POSSIBLE DAMAGING WIND GUSTS. Other severe thunderstorms producing heavy rainfall over northern parts of the state. Severe thunderstorms over East Gippsland producing heavy rainfall and possible large hail.

Weather Situation: A humid airmass is combining with the passage of a slow moving trough of low-pressure to generate severe thunderstorms this evening.

VERY DANGEROUS 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 Central, Northern Country and North Central districts. Locations which may be affected include Seymour, Castlemaine and Kyneton.

Severe thunderstorms are likely to produce heavy rainfall that may lead to flash flooding over the next several hours in parts of the Mallee, Northern Country and North East districts. Locations which may be affected include Mildura, Shepparton, Wangaratta, Echuca, Euroa and Yarrawonga.

Severe thunderstorms are likely to produce heavy rainfall that may lead to flash flooding and large hailstones over the next several hours in parts of the East Gippsland district. Locations which may be affected include Cann River.

26.8 mm was recorded at Kyabram in the 30 minutes to 6:45 pm.

A separate 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.
* 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.