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A severe thunderstorm warning for the Ballarat region has been cancelled, however there is still some activity to the south-west, including Ararat and Stawell.
EARLIER:
A severe thunderstorm warning remains in place for Ballarat surrounding areas.
An advice message is in place for Creswick after another Flash Flood Watch and Act message was issued earlier Thursday afternoon.
"The threat of flooding is reduced. You can now return to normal activity, but be aware of any hazards that may still exist in the warning area." The advice message said.
"What you should do:
- Floodwater is dangerous - do not enter floodwater.
- Find alternative travel routes if roads or underpasses are flooded.
- Be aware of driving hazards, such as mud, debris, damaged roads and fallen trees.
- A relief centre has been established at the Doug Lindsey Reserve - Lindsay Park Drive, Creswick VIC 3363 for affected residents and is currently open."
EARLIER:
Ballarat is once again in the firing line for more severe thunderstorms.
Yet another severe thunderstorm warning has been issued for the Ballarat region, following yesterday's rain.
It means areas like Creswick, which was hit hard in yesterday's storms, could also cop more more heavy rain and flooding.
The storms are likely to produce damaging winds, large hailstones and heavy rainfall.
Tropical moisture extending south from the Coral Sea will combine with an upper trough to produce severe thunderstorm activity today.
Areas surround Ballan have also been hit by a severe storm, reports of some homes being impacted.
SES Ballarat deputy controller of community engagement Olivia Lorkin urged people to take extra care, with rivers already swollen.
"We're very much prepared for more jobs coming through, we're just monitoring that," she said.
"We want to get the message out there for people to vigilant of their local conditions and floodways, and understand what to do if it does flood.
"I'd recommend taking a look at floodways, and understanding where your home, your business, or family and loved ones are located - if it does flood, if we get a significant amount of water again, what's the likelihood of access and if you need to leave?
"Look around your house, make sure things are tied down, check gutters safely, and then be conscious if you are travelling through flood water, it only takes 15cm to float a car - it can be quite dangerous, and most of the time it looks fine, but in actual fact, you might get stuck."
She thanked the community for their patience and support in the last 24 hours.
"There's a lot of calls, we're getting through the jobs (that are) outstanding, with the potential of more coming through, and the community has been incredibly supportive," she said.
The State Emergency Service advises that people should:
- If driving conditions are dangerous, safely pull over away from trees, drains, low-lying areas and floodwater. Avoid travel if possible.
- Stay safe by avoiding dangerous hazards, such as floodwater, mud, debris, damaged roads and fallen trees.
- Be aware - heat, fire or recent storms may make trees unstable and more likely to fall when it's windy or wet.
- Check that loose items, such as outdoor settings, umbrellas and trampolines are safely secured. Move vehicles under cover or away from trees.
- Stay indoors and away from windows.
- If outdoors, move to a safe place indoors. Stay away from trees, drains, gutters, creeks and waterways.
- Stay away from fallen powerlines - always assume they are live.
- Be aware that in fire affected areas, rainfall run-off into waterways may contain debris such as ash, soil, trees and rocks. Heavy rainfall may also increase the potential for landslides and debris across roads.
- Stay informed: Monitor weather warnings, forecasts and river levels at the Bureau of Meteorology website, and warnings through VicEmergency website/app/hotline.
In an emergency, phone the SES on 132 500.
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