Australian Government Bureau of Meteorology Victoria TOP PRIORITY FOR IMMEDIATE BROADCAST Severe Thunderstorm Warning - Melbourne Area for Large Hailstones And Damaging Winds for parts of Port Phillip waters, Western and Geelong and Bellarine Peninsula Local Warning Areas. Issued at 7:44 pm Saturday, 24 October 2026. Severe thunderstorms continue west of Melbourne this evening. LARGE HAILSTONES and DAMAGING WINDS for the following areas: Port Phillip waters, Western and Geelong and Bellarine Peninsula The Bureau of Meteorology warns that, at 7:45 pm, severe thunderstorms likely to produce large hailstones and damaging winds were detected near Laverton, Hoppers Crossing and the area west of Bacchus Marsh. These thunderstorms are moving towards the south. They are forecast to affect Balliang, Balliang East and Point Cook by 8:00 pm and Lara, northern Port Phillip Bay and the area west of Werribee by 8:15 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 8:15 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.