A SEVERE weather warning has been issued for Ararat, Stawell and the whole of Victoria for heavy rain, scattered thunderstorms and a chance of flash flooding starting Thursday night.
Three day totals of around 60-120 millimetres are expected south of the Divide and over the far northwest with totals of between 100 and 200mm over remaining areas on and north of the Divide.
Totals over the northeast ranges may exceed 250mm.
A high pressure system will continue to strengthen over the Tasman Sea this week allowing a hot and humid northeasterly airstream to continue.
A trough of low pressure crossing the Bight will reach western Victoria on Thursday and then become slow-moving.
A low pressure system will develop over northwestern Victoria on Friday before drifting slowly southeastwards over the weekend.
Heavy rain and scattered thunderstorms, which may lead to flash flooding are likely to develop in the far west during Thursday night before extending across the remaining parts of Victoria during Friday.
The heavy rain and thunderstorm activity will continue on Saturday.
Locations which may be affected include Mildura, Horsham, Warrnambool, Bendigo, Shepparton, Seymour, Maryborough, Ballarat, Geelong, Melbourne, Wodonga, Wangaratta, Traralgon and Bairnsdale.
The State Emergency Service has advised that people should:
- 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;
The next Severe Weather Warning will be issued by 11:00 pm AEDT Wednesday.
