Damaging winds and heavy rain expected as storm front moves over Melbourne

Damaging winds and a deluge of rain are expected to lash Victoria this afternoon.

Wind gusts peaking 100km/hr are expected to hit the state later in the day, the Bureau of Meteorology has said.

Elevated and coastal areas will be most susceptible to the powerful gusts.

Heavy showers have prompted the BoM to issue flash flood warnings for North Central and North East forecast districts.

Up to 10mm of rainfall is expected by the end of the day.

Continued rain over the weekend is expected to cause new flood warnings for the North East.

“There could be some headaches as a result of flooding,” Richard Carlyon, forecaster for BoM said.

Emergency service crews have been busy with incidents since the cold snap hit the state last night.

More than 140 calls have been made to emergency services so far, an SES spokesperson has reported.

Half the calls have been made from Melbourne’s Greater Metro district.

The busiest units are currently Emerald and King Lake.

Temperatures are expected to drop over the weekend, with a maximum of 13 degrees for Saturday and Sunday.

The SES advises that people in affected areas 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.

Don't drive, ride or walk through flood water.

Keep clear of creeks and storm drains.

Beware of fallen trees or debris on the road.

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.