Severe Thunderstorm Warning (Heavy, Locally Intense Rain, Hail & Damaging Winds) E Gippsland & NE, W & S Gippsland, Central & South West
15 JANUARY 2026 14:04 EDT
Australian Government Bureau of Meteorology
Victoria
TOP PRIORITY FOR IMMEDIATE BROADCAST
Severe Thunderstorm Warning
for Heavy, Locally Intense Rainfall, Large Hailstones And Damaging Winds
for East Gippsland and parts of North East, West and South Gippsland, Central and South West Forecast Districts.
Issued at 2:04 pm Thursday, 15 January 2026.
INTENSE RAINFALL OCCURRING ABOUT THE OTWAYS AND POSSIBLE IN SOUTH GIPPSLAND
Weather Situation
Heavy to intense rainfall is likely to impact parts of the Otways and south Gippsland as an upper level low pressure system generates slow moving showers and thunderstorms over the area. Severe thunderstorms are also continuing in the northeast with the risk of heavy rainfall, large hail and damaging winds.
HEAVY, LOCALLY INTENSE RAINFALL, LARGE HAILSTONES and DAMAGING WINDS for the following areas:
Central, East Gippsland, South West, North East and West and South Gippsland
VERY DANGEROUS THUNDERSTORMS are likely to produce heavy, locally intense rainfall that may lead to dangerous and life-threatening flash flooding over the next several hours in parts of the West and South Gippsland, Central and South West districts. Locations which may be affected include Yarram.
Severe thunderstorms are likely to produce heavy rainfall that may lead to flash flooding over the next several hours in parts of the Central and South West districts. Locations which may be affected include Apollo Bay.
Severe thunderstorms are likely to produce heavy rainfall that may lead to flash flooding, large hailstones and damaging winds over the next several hours in the East Gippsland and parts of the North East and West and South Gippsland districts. Locations which may be affected include Bright, Falls Creek, Dargo, Buchan, Mt Hotham and Omeo.
Significant observations to time of warning:
105.8 MM WAS RECORDED AT MT COWLEY IN THE 3 HOURS TO 1:00PM
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 5:05 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.
