Millions to cop a drenching across south-east Australia

Millions of people across south-east Australia are set to cop a drenching in the coming days.

A low-pressure system will develop over south-western New South Wales on Friday and slowly shift south-east over Victoria on Saturday.

Severe thunderstorms will be possible in parts of western New South Wales, with damaging winds and large hail possible on Saturday.

Strong south-easterly winds will move along the southern Victorian coast on Saturday.

This could produce heavy rain over parts of Gippsland, around the Strzelecki Ranges and Mount Baw Baw.

Heavy rain could also extend over the Otway Ranges, which could bring 50mm to 80mm or more on Saturday.

Severe thunderstorm warnings are likely around Gippsland and the Otways.

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Gippsland, north-eastern Victoria and central parts of the state will be on flood watch throughout Friday.

The Bureau of Meteorology is predicting there could be up to 30mm of rain in parts of Victoria on Friday, as a heavy rain band is moving across Macedon and the La Trobe Valley.

Thunderstorms are also possible across the state.

The forecast comes off the back of heavy rain in the state on Thursday.

Between 2pm and 5pm, parts of the state recorded 27mm of rain, which is almost half the monthly average.

The State Emergency Service received almost 200 calls for assistance including in Toorak and South Melbourne.

Authorities have reminded residents to remain vigilant and not drive through floodwaters.