TOP PRIORITY FOR IMMEDIATE BROADCAST
SEVERE THUNDERSTORM WARNING - MELBOURNE AREA
for HEAVY RAINFALL
For people in parts of the
Inner East,
Outer East and
Geelong and Bellarine Peninsula Local Warning Areas.
Issued at 2:36 pm Wednesday, 7 January 2015.
The Bureau of Meteorology warns that, at 2:35 pm, severe thunderstorms were detected on weather radar near Ringwood, Vermont, Moriac and the area east of Marysville. They are forecast to affect Geelong City, Lilydale and Scoresby by 3:05 pm and Ocean Grove, the area east of Lilydale and the area east of Mt Dandenong by 3:35 pm.
Heavy rainfall that may lead to flash flooding is likely.
The State Emergency Service advises that people should:
* 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 3:40 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 North Central 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.
Two storms died on our door step, and one currently just dipped down under us - site about 3km west has had 12mm and one 2km to our south has had 6mm. Still more coming, hopefully.
