Forecast

Australian Government Bureau of Meteorology
Victoria

TOP PRIORITY FOR IMMEDIATE BROADCAST

Severe Thunderstorm Warning
for Damaging Winds And Heavy Rainfall

for parts of Mallee, North East, Wimmera and West and South Gippsland Forecast Districts.

Issued at 6:43 pm Monday, 19 January 2026.

Isolated severe thunderstorms in the west and about the Alps this evening.

Weather Situation
A trough near the South Australian border is generating severe thunderstorms about western parts of the state this evening. Slow moving storms over the Victorian Alps are also generating locally heavy rainfall.
DAMAGING WINDS and HEAVY RAINFALL for the following areas:
Mallee, North East, West and South Gippsland and Wimmera
Severe thunderstorms are likely to produce damaging winds over the next several hours in parts of the Mallee and Wimmera districts. Locations which may be affected include Warracknabeal and Birchip.
Severe thunderstorms are likely to produce heavy rainfall that may lead to flash flooding over the next several hours in parts of the North East and West and South Gippsland districts. Locations which may be affected include Mt Buller.

The State Emergency Service advises that people should:
* If driving conditions are dangerous, safely pull over away from trees, drains, low-lying areas and floodwater. Avoid travel if possible.
* Stay safe by avoiding dangerous hazards, such as floodwater, mud, debris, damaged roads and fallen trees.
* Be aware - heat, fire or recent storms may make trees unstable and more likely to fall when it's windy or wet.
* Check that loose items, such as outdoor settings, umbrellas and trampolines are safely secured. Move vehicles under cover or away from trees.
* Stay indoors and away from windows.
* If outdoors, move to a safe place indoors. Stay away from trees, drains, gutters, creeks and waterways.
* Stay away from fallen powerlines - always assume they are live.
* Be aware that in fire affected areas, rainfall run-off into waterways may contain debris such as ash, soil, trees and rocks. Heavy rainfall may also increase the potential for landslides and debris across roads.
* Stay informed: Monitor weather warnings, forecasts and river levels at the Bureau of Meteorology website, and warnings through VicEmergency website/app/hotline.

The next warning is due to be issued by 9:45 pm.
Check https://www.bom.gov.au/weather-and-climate/warnings-and-alerts. Warnings are also available through TV and Radio broadcasts or call 1300 659 210. The Bureau and State Emergency Service would appreciate warnings being broadcast regularly.

Australian Government Bureau of Meteorology
Victoria

TOP PRIORITY FOR IMMEDIATE BROADCAST

Severe Thunderstorm Warning
for Damaging Winds And Heavy Rainfall

for parts of Mallee, North East, Wimmera and West and South Gippsland Forecast Districts.

Issued at 6:43 pm Monday, 19 January 2026.

Isolated severe thunderstorms in the west and about the Alps this evening.

Weather Situation
A trough near the South Australian border is generating severe thunderstorms about western parts of the state this evening. Slow moving storms over the Victorian Alps are also generating locally heavy rainfall.
DAMAGING WINDS and HEAVY RAINFALL for the following areas:
Mallee, North East, West and South Gippsland and Wimmera
Severe thunderstorms are likely to produce damaging winds over the next several hours in parts of the Mallee and Wimmera districts. Locations which may be affected include Warracknabeal and Birchip.
Severe thunderstorms are likely to produce heavy rainfall that may lead to flash flooding over the next several hours in parts of the North East and West and South Gippsland districts. Locations which may be affected include Mt Buller.

The State Emergency Service advises that people should:
* If driving conditions are dangerous, safely pull over away from trees, drains, low-lying areas and floodwater. Avoid travel if possible.
* Stay safe by avoiding dangerous hazards, such as floodwater, mud, debris, damaged roads and fallen trees.
* Be aware - heat, fire or recent storms may make trees unstable and more likely to fall when it's windy or wet.
* Check that loose items, such as outdoor settings, umbrellas and trampolines are safely secured. Move vehicles under cover or away from trees.
* Stay indoors and away from windows.
* If outdoors, move to a safe place indoors. Stay away from trees, drains, gutters, creeks and waterways.
* Stay away from fallen powerlines - always assume they are live.
* Be aware that in fire affected areas, rainfall run-off into waterways may contain debris such as ash, soil, trees and rocks. Heavy rainfall may also increase the potential for landslides and debris across roads.
* Stay informed: Monitor weather warnings, forecasts and river levels at the Bureau of Meteorology website, and warnings through VicEmergency website/app/hotline.

The next warning is due to be issued by 9:45 pm.
Check https://www.bom.gov.au/weather-and-climate/warnings-and-alerts. Warnings are also available through TV and Radio broadcasts or call 1300 659 210. The Bureau and State Emergency Service would appreciate warnings being broadcast regularly.