'Tornado possible': Victoria lashed by destructive winds and heavy rain

Residents living in Melbourne’s south-east have been urged to remain alert following a severe weather warning issued by the Bureau of Meteorology.

A severe thunderstorm likely to produce heavy rainfall that may lead to flash flooding is currently moving towards the east to south-east, likely to affect Clayton, Hastings and Mornington.

Heavy rainfall has already been recorded with 22.8 mm recorded at Wooloomanata in 60 minutes to 10am.

A more general severe thunderstorm warning is also current for the south west and parts of the central, northern country, north central, wimmera, mallee and west and south gippsland districts.

VicEmergency has warned there is the possibility of tornadoes forming in the eastern parts of the northern country and north central districts.

Kevin Parkyn from the Bureau of Meteorology said after the weather system moves across the east of the state, central Melbourne will be hit with a “swarm of thunderstorms”.

He warned there may be destructive winds and golf-ball-sized hail as the thunderstorms hammer the area.

David Baker from Victoria State Emergency Service urged Victorians to reconsider travel plans and stay safe as the storm develops over the next day.

He issued a warning to those who may be travelling across the state for Moto GP over the weekend.

“Reconsider travel plans, it’s not a good time to be on a motorcycle tomorrow afternoon, when you’re trying to battle weather conditions,” he said.

Victorians have been told to tie loose objects down and avoid driving on roads in affected areas.

Flash flooding is also on the cards for some parts of the state impacted by the heavy rain.

“There is a significant risk of flash flooding, it only takes 15cm for a car to float in flooded waters,” Baker added.

Those who suffer asthma and hay fever were also warned the supercell thunderstorm could trigger their condition.

Catserton in western Victoria was hit worst by a wild storm overnight, with golf-ball-sized hail causing damage to homes and vehicles.

Victoria SES said it received 80 requests for assistance during this weather event.