Severe Thunderstorm Warning for Heavy Rainfall Issued for East and West Gippsland

Alert Details

The Australian Government Bureau of Meteorology (BOM) has issued a Severe Thunderstorm Warning (IDV21033) for heavy rainfall. This alert is designated as a top priority for immediate broadcast and was issued at 12:04 pm on Friday, February 27, 2026.

Affected Areas

The warning applies to residents in parts of the East Gippsland and West and South Gippsland Forecast Districts. Specific locations that may be affected by the storm activity include:

• Bairnsdale
• Sale
• Dargo
• Maffra

What You Should Do

The State Emergency Service (SES) advises residents in the warning area to take the following safety actions:

• Driving Safety: If driving conditions become dangerous, safely pull over away from trees, drains, and low-lying areas. Avoid travel if possible.
• Avoid Hazards: Stay away from floodwater, mud, debris, and fallen trees. Assume all fallen powerlines are live.
• Secure Property: Ensure loose outdoor items such as umbrellas and trampolines are secured. Move vehicles under cover or away from trees.
• Stay Indoors: Remain inside and away from windows. If caught outdoors, move to a safe indoor location away from drains, gutters, and waterways.
• Fire-Affected Areas: Be aware that rainfall run-off in fire-affected regions may contain ash, soil, and rocks. Heavy rain increases the potential for landslides and debris across roads.

Expected Conditions

Slow-moving thunderstorms have developed in a moist environment, resulting in isolated heavy rainfall across parts of West and South Gippsland. These severe thunderstorms are likely to produce heavy rainfall that may lead to flash flooding within the warning area over the next several hours.

Timeline

The warning was issued at 12:04 pm on Friday, February 27, 2026. The Bureau expects to issue the next update by 3:05 pm. Residents are encouraged to monitor weather warnings through the VicEmergency website or app and the Bureau of Meteorology website.