Severe storms bring damaging winds to Vic

Damaging winds are forecast with severe thunderstorms crossing Victoria.

A severe thunderstorm warning is in effect over a swathe of the state from northwest to southeast including Mildura, Horsham, Ballarat, Bendigo, Seymour, Maryborough, Geelong and Melbourne.

The State Emergency Service warns that residents should stay clear of fallen powerlines, secure loose objects around their homes, stay indoors if possible or avoid sheltering under trees and switch off computers and appliances.