Severe storm warnings issued for parts of Victoria and NSW

Severe thunderstorm warnings have been issued for parts of Victoria and NSW, bringing heavy rain and possible large hailstones and flash flooding to some areas.

The weather bureau said a severe storm was on its way to northwest Victoria in an area from Bendigo northwards to Mildura.

Affected locations may include Mildura, Swan Hill, Stawell, Warracknabeal, Bendigo and Maryborough.

Meanwhile, much of western NSW is bracing for severe thunderstorms, including damaging winds, large hailstones and heavy rain.

Affected areas include Tibooburra, Wilcannia, White Cliffs, Wanaaring, Wentworth and Menindee.

“For NSW, there’s slight chance of big hail and there’s really strong winds,” bureau duty forecaster Jonathan How said.

“For Victoria, it’s pretty much going to be focusing on rain.

“For most people in the east, in NSW and Victoria, it’s going to be muggy and showery and rainy as well.”

Mr How said multiple storm warnings were expected to be issued across the country this week.

“Pretty much every state and territory except Tasmania is likely to be under a storm warning at some point this week,” he said.

“It’s going to be important as well because it’s going to fall over parts of Australia that have been really dry and, of course, the sub-agricultural areas that are just starting their harvest, and some people don’t want or need the rain either.”

Mr How said a large storm was expected to hit Sydney and all the way up the coast on Sunday.

“Storms are expected over a large part of the country over the next three to five days,” he said.

“Sunday’s looking to be Sydney’s main risk day.

“But for most people in regional parts of Australia it’s going to be about the rain.”

The SES has warned people to avoid travel if possible and if driving conditions are dangerous, they should safely pull over away from trees, drains, low-lying areas and floodwater.

Floodwater, mud, damaged roads and fallen trees should also be avoided.

Any loose items around the home should also be safely secured and vehicles moved under cover or away from trees.