THE Bureau of Meteorology has issued a severe weather warning for heavy rainfall and flash flooding around Ararat and Stawell, along with most of western Victoria.
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A low pressure trough will enter western Victoria on Wednesday producing widespread showers and thunderstorms.
Showers and thunderstorms could produce heavy rain which might lead to flash flooding over parts of the Mallee, Wimmera and Southwest districts this afternoon and evening, extending into adjacent parts of the Northern Country, North Central and Central districts overnight into Thursday.
Showers may tend to rain over parts of inland Victoria on Wednesday night.
Overall totals of 25-40 millimetres are possible for this event, with isolated higher falls of 50-80mm, particularly near thunderstorms.
Conditions are expected to ease over far northwest Victoria during Thursday morning.
Locations which may be affected include Mildura, Horsham, Ararat, Stawell, Hamilton, Warrnambool and Portland.
The State Emergency Service has advised people:
- Don't walk, ride or drive through flood water;
- Keep clear of creeks and storm drains;
- Be aware that in fire affected areas, rainfall run-off into waterways may contain debris such as ash, soil, trees and rocks;
- Be alert that in areas recently affected by fires, heavy rainfall increases the potential for landslides and debris across roads.