National

Thunderstorm warning threatens large hail, wind, rain

By AAP Newswire

Dec 13, 2023

Workers removing a fallen tree in Melbourne — A severe thunderstorm is expected in eastern Victoria, with a warning about asthma symptoms. -AAP Image

Victorians are on high alert for heavy rain, damaging winds and large hailstones as thunderstorms threatens to wreak havoc across the state's east.

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The Bureau of Meteorology on Wednesday afternoon issued a severe thunderstorm warning extending from the south to the north of central Victoria.

The warning area was later reduced to cover parts of the state's east, including west and south Gippsland, parts of East Gippsland and the north east forecast districts.

As of 6.30pm, people in Traralgon, Sale, Maffra, Bairnsdale, Orbost and Omeo were warned severe thunderstorms in the areas could lead to damaging winds, large hail and heavy rainfall that could cause flash flooding over several hours.

ğŸŒ©ï¸� Update due to change in storm activity ğŸŒ©ï¸�â€” Victorian Department of Health (@VicGovDH) A high risk of epidemic thunderstorm asthma has now been forecast today in North Central, Central and West & South Gippsland districts.Stay up to date at @vicemergency: https://t.co/RxySW344nV https://t.co/I1K9ODhLe1 pic.twitter.com/243gmhOJBg December 13, 2023

Yarrawonga on the Victoria and NSW border earlier recorded a wind gust of 106km/h at 3.40pm before a trough moved to the state's east.

Vic Emergency earlier issued a watch and act alert saying people should prepare to take shelter.

Thunderstorm asthma warnings were also in place in parts of Victoria on Wednesday.

By AAP Newswire

Australian Associated Press