Severe weather warnings in place as storms lash Victoria

Fears of flash flooding and damaging winds are growing as powerful storm cells move across Victoria from the east, prompting warnings of "thunderstorm asthma".

The Bureau of Meteorology has issued severe weather warnings across large swathes of Victoria as heavy rain is forecast to close in this afternoon.

A slow moving low-pressure trough crossing the state likely to result in severe thunderstorms expected to batter Swan Hill, Stawell, Bendigo, Echuca, Maryborough and Castlemaine.

READ MORE: Asthma sufferers warned as storms in Victoria spark pollen season

Winds of up to 90km/h have been predicted for western and central Victoria, including Ararat, Kyneton, Daylesford, Falls Creek, Mt Hotham and Mt Buller.

Swan Hill has already recorded an 87km/h gust at 1:45pm today.

The wind and excessive rainfall may lead to flash flooding in the warning areas over the next several hours.

The State Emergency Service has advised people in affected areas to stay indoors and avoid driving if possible.

The Department of Health and Human Services has warned the stark change in weather from the last few days could prompt 'thunderstorm asthma' due to the storms interacting with extreme pollen counts.

VicEmergency has advised people with a history of asthma and hay fever, or anyone who experiences wheezing, breathlessness, or a persistent cough to have reliever medication with them at all times and to stay inside.

In 2016, thunderstorms in Melbourne caused the deaths of ten people, with thousands more hospitalised in a sudden bout of the condition.

Strong gusts of wind and heavy rain will reach Melbourne in the afternoon and remain present throughout the evening.