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Storms hit Victoria as Portland mops up

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The weather bureau has issued storm warnings for inner Melbourne and the city's north and west.
Camera IconThe weather bureau has issued storm warnings for inner Melbourne and the city's north and west. Credit: AAP

Dangerous thunderstorms are predicted to hit Melbourne, bringing destructive winds, giant hailstones and heavy rainfall while southwest Victoria mops up from flash flooding.

The Bureau of Meteorology on Friday predicted "dangerous thunderstorms" near Bannockburn would move northeast towards Brisbane Ranges, the area west of Geelong City and west of Lara before hitting south of Bacchus Marsh and west of Werribee.

Flash flooding hit parts of Melbourne's western suburbs where the roof of a shopping centre in Point Cook caved in, collapsing under a heavy downpour.

The bureau said Ballarat, Daylesford, Geelong, Melbourne, Frankston and Bacchus Marsh could experience floods from the heavy rain.

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A more general severe thunderstorm warning is also current for the Central and parts of the East Gippsland, South West, North Central, West and South Gippsland and Wimmera districts.

The State Emergency Service dealt with more than 100 calls for help on Thursday night after severe hail and flash floods hit the town of Portland.

"Over the past 24 hours there have been some wild storms come through various parts of the state," Acting Premier Jacinta Allan told reporters on Friday.

The bureau says a humid, unstable air mass is lying over Victoria, while a low pressure trough moves slowly east across the state.

The SES warns people should avoid travel if possible, and stay away from trees, drains, floodwater and low lying areas.

People should stay indoors and away from windows, and secure outdoor furniture and equipment.

The storm threat has eased in west and south Gippsland.

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