Australian Government Bureau of Meteorology
Victoria Regional Office
TOP PRIORITY FOR IMMEDIATE BROADCAST
SEVERE THUNDERSTORM WARNING - MELBOURNE AREA
for DAMAGING WIND, FLASH FLOODING and LARGE HAILSTONES
For people in the Inner, Eastern, Northern, Western, Geelong and Bellarine Peninsula, Port Phillip and parts of the South East and Outer East Local Warning Areas.
Issued at 6:03 pm Sunday, 7 March 2010.
The Bureau of Meteorology warns that, at 5:55 pm, severe thunderstorms were detected on weather radar near Craigieburn, Melton, St Albans and Sunbury. These thunderstorms are moving towards the south. They are forecast to affect Caulfield, Footscray, Greensborough, Melbourne City, Preston and Werribee by 6:25 pm and Dandenong, Geelong City, Glen Waverley and Ringwood by 6:55 pm.
Very heavy rainfall and flash flooding are likely. Damaging wind gusts and large hailstones are possible.
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 7:00 pm.
A more general severe thunderstorm warning is also current for the Northern Country, Northeast, North Central, Central and parts of the West and South Gippsland, Western and Alpine districts.
Warnings are also available through TV and Radio broadcasts, the Bureau's website at
http://www.bom.gov.au or call 1300 659 217. The Bureau and State Emergency Service would appreciate warnings being broadcast regularly.
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