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
http://www.bom.gov.au" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false; or call 1300 659 217. The Bureau and State Emergency Service would appreciate warnings being broadcast regularly.