Source: Bureau of Meteorology

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

Issued at 2:53 pm Saturday, 13 December 2025.

Severe thunderstorms continue to develop across central and eastern Victoria.

Weather Situation: A warm, humid and unstable airmass interacts with a surface trough and approaching upper level feature to produce severe thunderstorms this afternoon.

Severe thunderstorms are likely to produce damaging wind gusts, large hailstones and heavy rainfall that may lead to flash flooding over the next several hours in parts of the Central, North Central, Wimmera, Mallee, South West and Northern Country districts. Locations which may be affected include Maryborough, Ballarat, Bacchus Marsh, Daylesford, Castlemaine and Kyneton.

Severe thunderstorms are likely to produce heavy rainfall that may lead to flash flooding, large hailstones and damaging wind gusts over the next several hours in parts of the East Gippsland district. Locations which may be affected include Orbost, Buchan, Chandlers Creek, Gelantipy and Bonang.

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.