In a warning issued at 8.48am, the Bureau of Meteorology said a very dangerous thunderstorm is moving across north-east Melbourne and the Yarra Ranges.

Intense rainfall is forecast, which the warning says “may lead to life-threatening flash flooding”.

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At 8.45am, very dangerous thunderstorms were detected near Healesville and Yarra Glen. These storms are now moving towards the east. And storms of a similar nature are forecast to affect the area east of Mount Dandenong by 9.15 am.

The State Emergency Service advises the following:
• 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.
•Stay informed: monitor weather warnings, forecasts and river levels at the Bureau of Meteorology website, and warnings through the VicEmergency website, app and hotline.

It comes after 41.6 millimetres of rain was recorded in an hour, and 57.8 millimetres was recorded in 2.5 hours, in the Victorian town of Arthurs Creek.

The next warning is set to be issued by 9.50am.

bom.gov.au/vic