SEVERE THUNDERSTORM WARNING - MELBOURNE AREAfor DAMAGING WIND, HEAVY RAINFALL and LARGE HAILSTONES
For people in the Inner, South East, Eastern, Northern, Western, Mornington Peninsula, Port Phillip and parts of the Geelong and Bellarine Peninsula, Outer East and Western Port Local Warning Areas.
Issued at 4:42 pm Thursday, 31 January 2013.
The Bureau of Meteorology warns that, at 4:40 pm, severe thunderstorms were detected on weather radar near waters off Portarlington, the area south of Werribee and northern parts of the Bellarine Peninsula. These thunderstorms are moving towards the east. They are forecast to affect Caulfield, Footscray, Melbourne City and Werribee by 5:10 pm and Dandenong, Frankston, Glen Waverley and Ringwood by 5:40 pm.
Damaging winds, heavy rainfall that may lead to flash flooding and large hailstones are likely.
The State Emergency Service advises that people should:
* Keep clear of fallen power lines.
* secure any loose objects in the vicinity of your home.
* keep away from creeks and drains.
* do not drive vehicles through flooded areas.
* stay indoors if possible.
* Avoid using the phone during the storm.
* if you are outside, avoid sheltering under trees
* listen to the radio for storm updates
* switch off your computer and electrical appliances
The next warning is due to be issued by 5:45 pm.
A more general severe thunderstorm warning is also current for the Central and parts of the North Central districts.
Warnings are also available through TV and Radio broadcasts, the Bureau's website at www.bom.gov.au or call 1300 659 217. The Bureau and State Emergency Service would appreciate warnings being broadcast regularly.
