Mildura, Horsham, Stawell, Hamilton Portland, Ararat: Severe weather warnings for western Victoria

Western Victoria is experiencing severe weather with the Bureau of Meteorology issuing warnings for people in four different forecast districts.

Western Victoria is experiencing severe thunderstorms with Vicemergency issuing warnings for people in the Mallee, Wimmera and parts of South West and Northern Country forecast districts.

A trough is expected to move eastwards across western Victoria on Monday afternoon, as a low pressure system develops to the southwest.

Severe thunderstorms are developing along this trough and will move eastwards during the afternoon and evening.

Severe thunderstorms are likely to produce heavy rainfall that may lead to flash flooding, large hailstones and damaging winds in the warning area over the next several hours.

Locations which may be affected include Mildura, Horsham, Stawell, Hamilton, Portland and Ararat.

Some areas are already copping the brunt of these systems with flooding and thunderstorms wrecking havoc.

In Portland there have been over six calls for SES help in the last hour.

With reports of water entering classrooms at Bayview College.

At 3.08pm a 100 km/h wind gust was recorded at Horsham Airport.

Skies in Mildura are looking menacing and people are warned to stay on top of all weather alerts.

The State Emergency Service advises that people should:

* If driving conditions are dangerous, safely pull over away from trees, drains, low-lying areas and floodwater. Avoid travel if possible.

* Stay safe by avoiding dangerous hazards, such as floodwater, mud, debris, damaged roads and fallen trees.

* Be aware – heat, fire or recent storms may make trees unstable and more likely to fall when it‘s windy or wet.

* Check that loose items, such as outdoor settings, umbrellas and trampolines are safely secured. Move vehicles under cover or away from trees.

* Stay indoors and away from windows.

* If outdoors, move to a safe place indoors. Stay away from trees, drains, gutters, creeks and waterways.

* Stay away from fallen powerlines – always assume they are live.

* Be aware that in fire affected areas, rainfall run-off into waterways may contain debris such as ash, soil, trees and rocks. Heavy rainfall may also increase the potential for landslides and debris across roads.

* Stay informed: Monitor weather warnings, forecasts and river levels at the Bureau of Meteorology website, and warnings through VicEmergency website/app/hotline.

The next warning is due to be issued by 6.20pm.