Severe Weather Warning for Heavy Rainfall Issued Across Central and Eastern Victoria

Alert Details

The Australian Government Bureau of Meteorology (BOM) has issued a Severe Weather Warning (IDV21037) for heavy rainfall. This high-priority alert is currently in effect for multiple districts across Victoria as a frontal system with high moisture levels moves across the state.

Affected Areas

The warning covers the Central, North Central, West and South Gippsland districts, as well as portions of the Northern Country, North East, Wimmera, East Gippsland, Mallee, and South West Forecast Districts. Specific locations that may be impacted include:

• Melbourne
• Bendigo
• Seymour
• Maryborough
• Traralgon
• Wonthaggi

What You Should Do

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

• Travel Safety: If driving conditions become dangerous, safely pull over away from trees, drains, and low-lying areas. Avoid travel if possible.
• Hazard Avoidance: Stay away from floodwater, mud, debris, and fallen trees. Assume all fallen powerlines are live.
• Secure Property: Ensure loose outdoor items like umbrellas and trampolines are secured. Move vehicles under cover.
• Indoor Safety: Stay indoors and away from windows. If caught outdoors, move to a safe indoor location immediately.
• Fire-Affected Areas: Be aware that rainfall run-off in fire-affected zones may contain ash and debris, increasing the risk of landslides.

Expected Conditions

Heavy rainfall is expected to develop this afternoon and evening. Forecast models indicate six-hourly rainfall totals between 30 to 60 mm are possible. Higher localized falls of up to 70 mm may occur around the ranges. These conditions are likely to lead to flash flooding in affected areas.

Timeline

The severe weather is expected to develop during the afternoon and evening of Tuesday, February 24, 2026. Conditions are forecast to ease during Wednesday morning. The next official update from the Bureau is scheduled for 5:00 pm AEDT Tuesday.