Australian Government Bureau of Meteorology Victoria TOP PRIORITY FOR IMMEDIATE BROADCAST Severe Thunderstorm Warning - Melbourne Area for Large Hailstones And Heavy Rainfall for parts of Port Phillip waters, Western, Geelong and Bellarine Peninsula and Northern Local Warning Areas. Issued at 7:22 pm Saturday, 24 October 2026. Severe thunderstorms are moving into the western suburbs this evening. LARGE HAILSTONES and HEAVY RAINFALL for the following areas: Port Phillip waters, Northern, Western and Geelong and Bellarine Peninsula The Bureau of Meteorology warns that, at 7:20 pm, severe thunderstorms likely to produce large hailstones and heavy rainfall that may lead to flash flooding were detected near Sydenham West, the area north of Ballan and the area west of Gisborne. These thunderstorms are moving towards the south. They are forecast to affect Deer Park, Mt Cottrell and Rockbank by 7:35 pm and Werribee, Bacchus Marsh and Brisbane Ranges by 7:50 pm. The State Emergency Service advises that people should: * If driving conditions are dangerous, safely pull over away from trees, drains, low-lying areas and floodwater. Avoid travel if possible. * Stay safe by avoiding dangerous hazards, such as floodwater, mud, debris, damaged roads and fallen trees. * Be aware - heat, fire or recent storms may make trees unstable and more likely to fall when it's windy or wet. * Check that loose items, such as outdoor settings, umbrellas and trampolines are safely secured. Move vehicles under cover or away from trees. * Stay indoors and away from windows. * If outdoors, move to a safe place indoors. Stay away from trees, drains, gutters, creeks and waterways. * Stay away from fallen powerlines - always assume they are live. * Stay informed: Monitor weather warnings, forecasts and river levels at the Bureau of Meteorology website, and warnings through VicEmergency website/app/hotline. A more general severe thunderstorm warning is also current for parts of the Central, South West and West and South Gippsland districts. Other warnings may be current. The next warning is due to be issued by 7:55 pm. Check https://www.bom.gov.au/weather-and-climate/warnings-and-alerts. Warnings are also available through TV and Radio broadcasts or call 1300 659 210. The Bureau and State Emergency Service would appreciate warnings being broadcast regularly.