Severe Weather Warning for Heavy Rainfall and Flash Flooding Issued for Central Victoria

Alert Details

The Australian Government Bureau of Meteorology (BOM) has issued a Severe Weather Warning (IDV21037) for heavy rainfall. This is a top-priority alert for immediate broadcast, issued at 12:22 pm AEDT on Monday, February 23, 2026.

Affected Areas

The warning covers the Northern Country, North Central, and parts of the Central, North East, West and South Gippsland, and Mallee Forecast Districts. Specific locations that may be affected include:

• Melbourne (including western and eastern suburbs)
• Bendigo
• Shepparton
• Seymour
• Traralgon
• Bacchus Marsh
• Frankston
• Warragul
• Euroa
• Yarra Glen
• Mansfield

What You Should Do

The State Emergency Service (SES) advises residents to take the following precautions:

• Avoid Travel: If driving conditions become dangerous, safely pull over away from trees, drains, and low-lying areas. Do not drive through floodwater.
• Stay Indoors: Remain inside and away from windows. If caught outdoors, move to a safe indoor location immediately.
• Secure Property: Check that loose outdoor items like umbrellas and trampolines are secured. Move vehicles under cover or away from trees.
• Hazard Awareness: Stay away from fallen powerlines, drains, and waterways. In fire-affected areas, be alert for landslides and debris (ash, soil, rocks) in rainfall run-off.
• Monitor Updates: Keep track of weather warnings via the BOM and VicEmergency websites or apps.

Expected Conditions

A frontal system moving through Victoria is linking with very high moisture, leading to heavy rainfall and embedded thunderstorms. Six-hourly rainfall totals between 40 to 70 mm are possible. This heavy rainfall may lead to flash flooding, particularly in central areas of the state.

Timeline

• Tuesday Morning: Rainfall and thunderstorms will begin to develop, with heavy rain possible around the western suburbs of Melbourne.
• Tuesday Afternoon and Evening: Heavy rainfall is expected to become more likely as it extends over the eastern suburbs of Melbourne and the remainder of the warning area.
• Wednesday Morning: Conditions are forecast to ease.