Famous race almost cancelled for first time in 142 years due to 'crazy' weather

Heavy rain and lightning strikes have wreaked havoc at one of Australia’s most prestigious running races, with the Stawell Gift almost cancelled for the first time in history because of bad weather.

The bad weather could further complicate travel plans for thousands driving or flying home at the end of the Easter holiday break.

The track of the Stawell Gift became a saturated, soggy mess after wild weather hit north-western Victoria at lunchtime, bringing down more than 16mm of rain.

Spectators were told to run for cover and organisers called for local electricians to restore power at the event.

Organisers said they had never seen scenes like it in the event’s 142-year history.

Stawell local and event organiser Wendy Hopwood said she had never seen weather as severe.

“Crazy, it’s really crazy,” she told 9News.

“I’ve lived in Stawell 13 years and don’t think I’ve ever seen rain like this.”

The men’s and women’s finals races have been put on hold, but organisers have held off cancelling the event.

It comes as the Bureau issued a severe weather and thunderstorm warnings for large parts of Victoria’s west and central regions.

A severe thunderstorm warning has been issued for the Wimmera, parts of the Mallee and the south-west districts.

The storm is currently producing scattered thunderstorms across the west, and will likely impact the towns of Rainbow, Walpeup, Horsham, Stawell, Warracknabeal and Edenhope.

The storms are predicted to produce damaging winds, hailstones and heavy rainfall that could lead to flash flooding over the next several hours.

Severe weather has also been predicted for the central, north central, south west, northern country, north-east, west and south Gippsland, Wimmera, east Gippsland and Mallee districts.

Heavy rainfall and damaging winds has been forecast for these areas.

Damaging winds gusts up to 90km/h are expected during the afternoon, as a cold front moves eastward across the state.