Forecast

Australian Government Bureau of Meteorology
Victoria

TOP PRIORITY FOR IMMEDIATE BROADCAST

Severe Thunderstorm Warning
for Heavy, Locally Intense Rainfall And Large Hailstones

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

Issued at 4:42 pm Friday, 27 February 2026.

VERY DANGEROUS THUNDERSTORM WITH INTENSE RAINFALL AND LARGE HAIL OVER WESTERN CENTRAL DISTRICT NEAR BALLAN. Other severe thunderstorms with heavy rainfall over parts of Victoria.

Weather Situation
Slow-moving thunderstorms are continuing to develop in a very humid environment, bringing heavy rainfall to parts of Victoria this afternoon.
HEAVY, LOCALLY INTENSE RAINFALL and LARGE HAILSTONES for the following areas:
Central, East Gippsland, Mallee, South West, North Central, North East, West and South Gippsland and Wimmera
VERY DANGEROUS THUNDERSTORMS are likely to produce heavy, locally intense rainfall that may lead to dangerous and life-threatening flash flooding and large hailstones over the next several hours in parts of the Central district. Locations which may be affected include Ballan.
Severe thunderstorms are likely to produce heavy rainfall that may lead to flash flooding over the next several hours in parts of the Central, East Gippsland, Mallee, South West, North Central, North East, West and South Gippsland and Wimmera districts. Locations which may be affected include Ballarat, Stawell, Hamilton, Bacchus Marsh, Ouyen and Daylesford.
Further thunderstorms are expected to develop across the central ranges and across western Victoria today with possible heavy rainfall.
30.6 mm was recorded at Gibbo River in the 60 minutes to 4:00 pm.
24.2 mm was recorded at Tambo River (Swifts Creek) in the 30 minutes to 2:00 pm.

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 7:45 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 Heavy, Locally Intense Rainfall And Large Hailstones

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

Issued at 4:42 pm Friday, 27 February 2026.

VERY DANGEROUS THUNDERSTORM WITH INTENSE RAINFALL AND LARGE HAIL OVER WESTERN CENTRAL DISTRICT NEAR BALLAN. Other severe thunderstorms with heavy rainfall over parts of Victoria.

Weather Situation
Slow-moving thunderstorms are continuing to develop in a very humid environment, bringing heavy rainfall to parts of Victoria this afternoon.
HEAVY, LOCALLY INTENSE RAINFALL and LARGE HAILSTONES for the following areas:
Central, East Gippsland, Mallee, South West, North Central, North East, West and South Gippsland and Wimmera
VERY DANGEROUS THUNDERSTORMS are likely to produce heavy, locally intense rainfall that may lead to dangerous and life-threatening flash flooding and large hailstones over the next several hours in parts of the Central district. Locations which may be affected include Ballan.
Severe thunderstorms are likely to produce heavy rainfall that may lead to flash flooding over the next several hours in parts of the Central, East Gippsland, Mallee, South West, North Central, North East, West and South Gippsland and Wimmera districts. Locations which may be affected include Ballarat, Stawell, Hamilton, Bacchus Marsh, Ouyen and Daylesford.
Further thunderstorms are expected to develop across the central ranges and across western Victoria today with possible heavy rainfall.
30.6 mm was recorded at Gibbo River in the 60 minutes to 4:00 pm.
24.2 mm was recorded at Tambo River (Swifts Creek) in the 30 minutes to 2:00 pm.

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 7:45 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.