More severe thunderstorms and heavy rainfall are predicted to hit Victoria today after damaging storms hit the state.
Flash flooding occurred and as many as 4000 homes were left without power yesterday morning due to heavy rainfall.
The Bureau of Meteorology’s Diana Eadie said the risk of heavy rainfall across Victoria would continue Friday, particularly in the state’s west, where large hail and damaging winds are likely.
“It was a very wet night and the risk of heavy falls will continue today and tomorrow,” she said.
“For today, the main area of concern is the west of the state.
“Tomorrow, heavier rainfall is much more likely over central Victoria.”
The risk of heavy rainfall will also continue into the weekend for the east of the state, she said.
The Bureau of Meteorology last night issued a severe thunderstorm warning for the south and west of the state, including around Colac, Port Campbell, Horsham and Torquay.
Ms Eadie said the risk of heavy rainfall will continue into the weekend for the east of the state, while temperatures were expected to lower on the weekend.
However, she said the high humidity “was here to stay”.
The SES has already responded to more than 350 requests for assistance across the state in the past 24 hours and State Agency Commander David Tucek said crews were expecting many more calls on Friday.
He has urged Victorians to be prepared and to be vigilant and has warned people and drivers to stay out of floodwaters.
“It only takes 15cm of water to float a small car,” he said.
The Bureau of Meteorology (BoM) issued several weather warnings for “very dangerous thunderstorms” with intense rainfall that may lead to “life-threatening flash flooding” over northern and western Melbourne, and the southern Macedon Ranges.