Severe thunderstorm warning issued for most of Victoria including Melbourne

A severe thunderstorm warning has been issued for most of Victoria, with the Bureau of Meteorology warning of the risk of damaging wind, heavy rainfall and large hailstones.

The warning has been issued for people in the Central, East Gippsland, Mallee, Northern Country, North Central, North East, West and South Gippsland and parts of the South West and Wimmera areas.

Full statement from the Bureau of Meteorology, issued at 5.19pm (AEST), below:

Severe thunderstorms are likely to produce damaging winds, heavy rainfall that may lead to flash flooding and large hailstones in the warning area over the next several hours.

Locations which may be affected include Mildura, Ballarat, Bendigo, Shepparton, Seymour, Maryborough, Geelong, Melbourne, Wangaratta, Traralgon and Bairnsdale. 

The SES advises that rainfall run-off into waterways in recent fire affected areas may contain debris such as soil, ash, trees and rocks.

People in fire affected areas should also be alert to the potential for landslide and debris across roads.

The State Emergency Service advises that people should: 

* Keep clear of fallen power lines. 

* Keep away from creeks and drains. 

* Do not drive vehicles through flooded areas. 

* Stay indoors if possible. 

* Avoid using the phone during the storm.

* If you are outside, avoid sheltering under trees.

* Listen to the radio for storm updates .

* Switch off your computer and electrical appliances.

Do you have any pictures or video of the severe weather? Send us an email at contact@9news.com.au, but remember to stay safe and do not put yourself in danger.