Severe Thunderstorm Warning Issued: More Wild Weather On The Way For Melbourne

A severe thunderstorm warning has been issued for Melbourne on Friday night. 

In a statement on their website The Bureau of Meteorology announced:

Severe Thunderstorm Warning - Melbourne Area

for DAMAGING WINDS and HEAVY RAINFALL

For people in Inner East, Inner and parts of Port Phillip waters, South East, Northern, Outer East and Western Local Warning Areas.

Issued at 4:58 pm Friday, 14 December 2018.

The Bureau of Meteorology warns that, at 4:50 pm, severe thunderstorms were detected on the weather radar near Doncaster and Lilydale.

They are forecast to affect Footscray, Glen Waverley, Melbourne City, Preston and Ringwood by 5:20 pm and Clayton, Dandenong and Laverton by 5:50 pm.

Damaging winds and heavy rainfall that may lead to flash flooding are likely.

The State Emergency Service advises that people should: 
* Move vehicles under cover or away from trees. 
* Secure or put away loose items around your house, yard and balcony. 
* Keep clear of fallen power lines. 
* Keep clear of creeks and storm drains. 
* Don't drive, ride or walk through flood water. 
* Be aware that in fire affected areas, rainfall run-off into waterways may contain debris such as ash, soil, trees and rocks. 
* Be alert that in areas recently affected by fires, heavy rainfall increases the potential for landslides and debris across roads. 
* Stay indoors if possible. 
* Avoid using the phone during the storm. 
* If you are outside, avoid sheltering under trees 
* Listen to the radio for storm updates 
* Switch off your computer and electrical appliances 

The next warning is due to be issued by 6:00 pm.

A more general severe thunderstorm warning is also current for the Central, East Gippsland, North Central, West and South Gippsland and parts of the South West, North East and Wimmera districts.

Warnings are also available through TV and Radio broadcasts, the Bureau's website at www.bom.gov.au or call 1300 659 217. The Bureau and State Emergency Service would appreciate warnings being broadcast regularly.