Pollyana

TOP PRIORITY FOR IMMEDIATE BROADCAST

SEVERE THUNDERSTORM WARNING - MELBOURNE AREA
for DAMAGING WIND, HEAVY RAINFALL and LARGE HAILSTONES

For people in the
Geelong and Bellarine Peninsula Local Warning Area.

Issued at 3:08 pm Thursday, 8 January 2015.

The Bureau of Meteorology warns that, at 3:05 pm, severe thunderstorms were detected on weather radar near the area southeast of Colac, the area southwest of Lorne and the area north of Forrest. These thunderstorms are moving towards the east. They are forecast to affect Bass Strait by 3:35 pm and Geelong City, Lara and Torquay by 4:05 pm.

Damaging winds, heavy rainfall that may lead to flash flooding and large hailstones are likely.

The State Emergency Service advises that people should:
* Keep clear of fallen power lines.
* secure any loose objects in the vicinity of your home.
* keep away from creeks and drains.
* do not drive vehicles through flooded areas.
* stay indoors if possible.
* Avoid using the phone during the storm.
* if you are outside, avoid sheltering under trees
* listen to the radio for storm updates
* switch off your computer and electrical appliances

The next warning is due to be issued by 4:10 pm.

A more general severe thunderstorm warning is also current for the East Gippsland, Mallee, Northern Country, North East and parts of the Central, South West, North Central, West and South Gippsland and Wimmera districts.

Warnings are also available through TV and Radio broadcasts, the Bureau's website at Australia's official weather forecasts & weather radar - Bureau of Meteorology or call 1300 659 217. The Bureau and State Emergency Service would appreciate warnings being broadcast regularly.

ozzieeagle

Blimey Brisbane weather down here !!!

Pollyana

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Pollyana

Wider regional warning current as well:

Victoria Regional Office
TOP PRIORITY FOR IMMEDIATE BROADCAST

SEVERE THUNDERSTORM WARNING

for DAMAGING WIND, HEAVY RAINFALL and LARGE HAILSTONES

For people in the Central, East Gippsland, Mallee, Northern Country, North Central, North East, West and South Gippsland and parts of the South West and Wimmera Forecast Districts.
Issued at 4:01 pm Thursday, 8 January 2015.
Severe thunderstorms are likely to produce damaging winds, heavy rainfall that may lead to flash flooding and large hailstones in the warning area over the next several hours. Locations which may be affected include Shepparton, Wodonga, Wangaratta, Bairnsdale, Mildura, Bendigo, Ballarat, Seymour, Maryborough, Geelong, Melbourne and Traralgon.
The State Emergency Service advises that people should:
* Keep clear of fallen power lines.
* secure any loose objects in the vicinity of your home.
* keep away from creeks and drains.
* do not drive vehicles through flooded areas.
* stay indoors if possible.
* Avoid using the phone during the storm.
* if you are outside, avoid sheltering under trees
* listen to the radio for storm updates
* switch off your computer and electrical appliances
The next warning is due to be issued by 7:05 pm.
If severe thunderstorms develop in the Melbourne Area, a more detailed Severe Thunderstorm Warning will be issued to people in this area.
Warnings are also available through TV and Radio broadcasts, the Bureau's website at Australia's official weather forecasts & weather radar - Bureau of Meteorology or call 1300 659 217. The Bureau and State Emergency Service would appreciate warnings being broadcast regularly.

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Power outage? Visit Find your distributor and enter your postcode to see who your distributor is so you can find out the estimated restoration time, if possible.

Remember, IF IT'S FLOODED - FORGET IT!! Please take care on the roads and never shelter under trees in a storm. If you see debris on the road or require emergency assistance in floods and storms, please contact the Victorian SES on 132 500. For life threatening situations, please call triple zero (000).

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Image source: BoM
Australia's official weather forecasts & weather radar - Bureau of Meteorology