'Life-threatening' storm lashes state capital: 'VERY DANGEROUS'

Victorians are being told to brace for "very dangerous thunderstorms" which could lead to "life-threatening flash flooding".

The warning was issued for people in parts of Central, Northern Country, North Central, North East and West and South Gippsland Forecast Districts of Victoria on Thursday morning.

The Bureau of Meteorology said warned residents to be "prepared to take shelter" as the storm develops over the next several hours.

Residents told to take shelter

BoM issued a warning saying "severe thunderstorms are likely to produce intense rainfall that may lead to dangerous and life-threatening flash flooding over the next several hours in parts of the Central district. Locations which may be affected include Yarra Glen."

The state's emergency services issued a 'Watch and Act' alert, warning people in Greater Melbourne to prepare to take shelter and watch for hazards including floodwater, debris, damaged building, trees down and fallen power lines.

"Very dangerous thunderstorms were detected on the weather radar near Gisborne and Woodend. These thunderstorms are moving from the north of Melbourne towards the south to southeast," the emergency alert said.

"Severe weather causing intense rainfall that may lead to dangerous and life-threatening flash flooding is likely."

Malmsbury Headwall recorded 56.2mm of rain in the 60 minutes to 5:15am, while Trentham Reservoir recorded 38.6mm one hour to 6am.

"The Bureau of Meteorology warns that, at 7:05am, severe thunderstorms were detected on the weather radar near Craigieburn, Footscray, Greensborough, Melton, Preston, St Albans and Sunbury," the bureau said in the warning.

"These thunderstorms are moving towards the southeast. They are forecast to affect Caulfield, Glen Waverley, Melbourne City, Ringwood and Werribee by 7:35am and Dandenong, Frankston and Pakenham by 8:05am."

SES issues warning

The SES issued a warning advising that people should avoid travel if possible andsafely pull over away from trees, drains, low-lying areas and floodwater if driving conditions are dangerous.

"Avoided dangerous hazards, such as floodwater, mud, debris, damaged roads and fallen trees as heat, fire or recent storms may make trees unstable and more likely to fall when it's windy or wet," the warning read.

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

• Two heatwaves and 'once in a lifetime' rainfall hit Aussie states

• Huge downpour to hit parts of Australia with 'five months' worth of rain'

• When will the rain end? The weather you can expect for 2022

"Stay indoors and away from windows and if outdoors, move to a safe place indoors. Stay away from trees, drains, gutters, creeks and waterways and saway from fallen powerlines and 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."

Do you have a story tip? Email: newsroomau@yahoonews.com.

You can also follow us on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter and download the Yahoo News app from the App Store or Google Play.