TOP PRIORITY FOR IMMEDIATE BROADCAST
Severe Thunderstorm Warning - Melbourne Area
for HEAVY RAINFALL and LARGE HAILSTONES
For people in Mornington Peninsula and parts of Western Port Local Warning Areas.
Issued at 1:55 pm Friday, 17 November 2017.
The Bureau of Meteorology warns that, at 1:55 pm, severe thunderstorms were detected on the weather radar near Hastings, Rosebud, the area east of Neerim and the area east of Inverloch.
They are forecast to affect Flinders, Phillip Island and Rhyll by 2:25 pm.
Heavy rainfall that may lead to flash flooding and large hailstones are likely.
The State Emergency Service advises that people should:
* Move vehicles under cover or away from trees.
* Keep clear of creeks and storm drains.
* Don't drive, ride or walk through flood water.
* Be aware that in fire affected areas, rainfall run-off into waterways may contain debris such as ash, soil, trees and rocks.
* Be alert that in areas recently affected by fires, heavy rainfall increases the potential for landslides and debris across roads.
* 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 2:55 pm.
A more general severe thunderstorm warning is also current for the Central, East Gippsland, North East, West and South Gippsland and parts of the South West, Northern Country and North Central districts.
Warnings are also available through TV and Radio broadcasts, the Bureau's website at
www.bom.gov.au or call 1300 659 217. The Bureau and State Emergency Service would appreciate warnings being broadcast regularly.