Hail, heavy rain and damaging winds to lash state in next 24 hours

A massive cold front is heading Victoria’s way, bringing damaging winds and heavy rain, in what will be a rather wintry end to the week.

Heavy falls may lead to flash flooding in western and central parts of the state before moving across to Gippsland and Alpine areas, were snow has already begun to fall – with 50cm of snow expected in the next 48 hours.

There are reports of snow also falling at Ballarat.

But the worst conditions are likely to hit Melbourne tomorrow.

The Bureau of Meteorology has issued a severe weather warning with strong winds and thunderstorms tipped to bring 10-25mm of rain to the city tomorrow.

Showers will begin this afternoon and aren’t expected to ease until tomorrow night, with the heaviest falls expected in the northern and eastern suburbs.

Damaging winds are also likely to ease from late Friday, moving to East Gippsland and Alpine areas.

The cold front is expected to bring about a month’s worth of rain by the end of the week.

Tops of 15C on Saturday and 16C Sunday will bring some slight relief for shivering Melburnians.

Severe weather warning issued for much of the state including metro area. Heavy rain and wind gusts of up to 90km/h tomorrow. SES advising people to prepare now – clean gutters and secure loose items around homes. @3AW693 pic.twitter.com/JlKgT7Mpkv

— Pat Mitchell (@patty_mitchell) May 10, 2018