LOCAL SES has prompted the community to be prepared with the possibility of a severe thunderstorm passing through the region on Friday.
According to the Bureau Of Meteorology (BOM) forecasts as of 3pm Thursday, Wangaratta was predicted to have 8-35mm of rain fall throughout Friday with the chance of a possibly severe thunderstorm passing through the region.
Strong winds were a possibility with the potential of flash flooding caused by heavy rainfall.
The BOM predicted a deep low pressure system would move across the state Thursday night and Friday morning bringing vigorous northerly flow ahead of it.
Wangaratta SES Unit Controller Jess Zuber said now was the time to prepare for the worst.
Latest Stories
“We want to be safe on our roads in case of flash flooding and preparing property for strong winds, like securing items in the backyard,” she said.
“We do know those strong winds can lead to those mini tornados, it may not hit us but we would rather be safe than sorry.”
Ms Zuber said volunteers had already experienced increase in trees falling over roads with a pair of incidents in Oxley on Wednesday, as winds and muggy conditions continue.
“We’re urging everyone to stay safe and be prepared,” she said.
Torrential rain, hail and high winds lashed the western part of the state on Wednesday, with a shelter alert announced for parts of the Wimmera.
According to the latest BOM weather warnings, the rural city was not expected to be hit by the worst of the weather, with small parts of the North East predicted to be affected.
Monitor weather warnings, forecasts and river levels at the Bureau of Meteorology website, and warnings through VicEmergency website/app/hotline.
You can report new power faults and emergencies online www.ausnetservices.com.au/outages/report-a-fault or on 13 17 99.
For emergency services, call the SES on 132 500.
