UP TO 50 millimetres of rain is expected to fall in Ballarat in the next two hours.The Bureau of Meteorology has issued a severe thunderstorm warning for the Ballarat area, after heavy rainfall in the west of the state earlier this evening caused flash flooding around Stawell, Ararat and Halls Gap.Bureau of Meteorology senior forecaster Terry Ryan said flash flooding, gusty winds and hail were likely to hit Ballarat within an hour."Falls of 60 to 70 millimetres have been reported from western parts of Victoria, so the Ballarat area could get up to 50 millimetres in the next hour or two," Mr Ryan said."The potential is there for flash flooding, damaging winds and hail."The storms are quite bad - we're monitoring the situation."The State Emergency Service has advised people to keep clear of fallen power lines, secure any loose objects in the vicinity of their homes, keep away from creeks and drains, not drive vehicles through flooded areas, switch off their computers and electrical appliances, and stay indoors if possible.Warnings are issued at http://www.bom.gov.au
Storm to hit Ballarat
