6.30pm update
VicEmergency has issued a Watch and Act alert for the current storm and advises the community to prepare to take shelter.
This alert was issued for Echuca, Shepparton, Wangaratta, Bright, Mansfield and Mt Buller at 6.13pm.
Emergency services have been called out to multiple instances of building damage, flooding and trees down since the storm started.
According to the Bureau of Meteorology, 36.2mm of rain fell between 5pm and 6pm in Shepparton.
5.25pm update
According to the Bureau of Meteorology, 20.8mm of rain fell between 4.45pm and 5pm with more on the way.
Train services have been impacted on three lines following this afternoon’s storm activity.
Buses are replacing trains on the Seymour/Shepparton Line between Southern Cross, Wallan and Seymour
Some train services continue to run on either side of the affected stretches.
V/Line ask passengers to check station platform displays, listen for announcements, and allow extra time for their journey.
Real-time traffic conditions are available at traffic.vicroads.vic.gov.au
The latest public transport information and network status is available at ptv.vic.gov.au
Earlier
The Bureau of Meteorology has issued a severe thunderstorm warning for parts of the region, including Shepparton.
The advice, issued at 3.53pm, states a deepening trough over western Victoria and a very moist airmass is bringing a severe thunderstorm risk across large parts of the state this afternoon.
Severe thunderstorms are likely to produce heavy rainfall that may lead to flash flooding, damaging winds and large hailstones in the warning area over the next several hours.
Locations which may be affected include Shepparton, Bendigo, Rochester, Seymour, Castlemaine and Kyneton.
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.