SEVERE thunderstorms are expected to develop across Friday afternoon within Wangaratta and the North East with the Bureau of Meteorology issuing a severe weather warning for residents.

The BOM warning said severe thunderstorms are likely to produce heavy rainfall throughout Friday afternoon that may lead to flash flooding and damaging winds.

“A deep low-pressure system situated over southwestern Victoria is moving eastwards across southern Victoria, with a warm and humid airmass ahead of it, supporting the development of severe thunderstorms Friday,” it reads.

Most of the North East, including Wangaratta are expected to be affected.

SES advises people should take appropriate precautionary measures including driving to conditions and securing loose items at properties.

As of 1pm on Friday, a total of 31.6mm of rain has been recorded at the Wangaratta Airport recording station since Thursday night with peak wind gusts of 43km/h.

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.