Flash flooding warnings issued as storms lash Melbourne, state's north – abc.net.au

Flash flooding warnings issued as storms lash Melbourne, state's north
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Residents in parts of Melbourne have been warned they may be in danger from localised flash flooding as heavy rain pelts the city.
Watch and Act alerts have been issued for Preston, Essendon, Footscray, Caroline Springs and surrounding areas as slow-moving storms sweep across the suburbs.
A car in Footscray was seen partially submerged in floodwaters as high as its windscreen.
The storm first hammered Geelong before entering the state capital.
Near Melbourne's CBD, more than 24 millimetres of rain fell within 15 minutes.
Damaging winds, large hailstones and heavy rainfall warnings were issued for south eastern areas in Frankston, Casey, and the Mornington Peninsula.
Some roads have been closed and VicRoads has reported flooding in areas including Dudley Street at West Melbourne and Footscray Road at Docklands.
Emergency services have warned those in the affected areas not to enter floodwaters and to move indoors.
The Bureau of Meteorology has issued severe thunderstorm warnings for damaging winds, large hailstones and heavy rainfall for people in parts of the Central, Mallee and Northern Country areas.
Drivers in these areas have been urged to pull away from trees, drains, low-lying areas and floodwaters while on the road, and avoid travel if possible.
Residents are encouraged to check lose items, like outdoor settings and trampolines, and to stay indoors away from windows.
Wind gusts of up to 106kph have been recorded at Melbourne Airport.
The bureau said the thunderstorms were detected near Camberwell, Caulfield, Footscray, Melbourne City, Preston, Ringwood, St Albans and Sunbury.
They are forecast to shift to Craigieburn, Doncaster and Mill Park and later to Belgrave, Greensborough and to the west of Whittlesea, as wild weather continues to thrash the north and east of the state.
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