Wind gusts of close to 80 kilometres an hour have been recorded at Ballarat as Victoria braces for a series of severe thunderstorms and heavy rainfall.
Between 70 and 110 millimetres is expected to fall across the ranges and north-east of the state on Friday, while Melbourne could receive up to 35mm this afternoon.
Bureau of Meteorology senior forecaster Michael Laczko said the severe thunderstorms had cleared in the south-west of the state by mid-morning on Friday.
"The focus is now moving into central and eastern Victoria and the forecast is still looking on track with rain and thunderstorms to intensify," Mr Laczko said.
Wind gusts of between 90 and 100km/h were recorded at Falls Creek, Mount Hotham and Mount Buller on Friday morning.
"We're expecting about the central, north and north-east part of Victoria (to receive) between 30 and 60 millimetres today," Mr Laczko said.
Western Victoria is set to receive between 5-15mm on Friday while Gippsland could receive similar falls.
Mr Laczko said a flood watch was in place for parts of the north-east.
He said river conditions were being monitored and minor-to-moderate river rises were likely across parts of northern Victoria and the north-east catchments.
Bryce Eishold
Bryce is a senior journalist with Australian Community Media's Stock & Land where he reports on all aspects of agriculture. Bryce is also the president of the Rural Press Club of Victoria. Email Bryce at bryce.eishold@stockandland.com.au.
Bryce is a senior journalist with Australian Community Media's Stock & Land where he reports on all aspects of agriculture. Bryce is also the president of the Rural Press Club of Victoria. Email Bryce at bryce.eishold@stockandland.com.au.
