Cities forced to evacuate as 'life-threatening' storms hit Victoria: what you need to know

Residents in regional Victoria are being warned to brace for 'life-threatening' storms, with heavy rain causing flash flooding as the deluge sweeps through the state.

The Bureau of Meteorology issued a severe weather warning for the Northern Country, North Central, Central, North East, West & South Gippsland and East Gippsland districts on Monday.

The extremely wet weather system is expected to lash suburbs including Bendigo, Kyneton, Seymour, Shepparton, Wodonga and Wangaratta with rainfall of up to 100mm over a six-hour period.

The Bureau advised that heavy rainfall could lead to 'dangerous and life-threatening flash flooding'.

A major flood warning was also issued for the Campaspe River as 160mm of rain had fallen since 9am on Sunday morning.

Homes in Kerang, located on the Loddon River in northern Victoria, were cut off by flooding after being destroyed by rain on Sunday (pictured)

VIC Emergency has issued two evacuation warnings for residents of the Seymour and Yea region, where major flooding is expected.

Those living, working or vacationing in the area should evacuate immediately as the water is rising rapidly.

Flooding is expected to affect the following streets in Seymour: Emily Street, Tierney Street, Lesley Street, Tallarook Street, Wallis Street, High Street, Elizabeth Street, Butler Street, Alexander Street, Edward Street, Station Street, Tristan Street, Hanna Street, Jubilee Street and Industrial Court.

Kings Park and local riverside caravan parks will also be affected by the rising waters.

Those who cannot stay with family or friends are advised to travel to the shelter at the Seymour Sports & Aquatic Center in Chittick Park.

Residents are reminded to take their pets, mobile phone and medicines with them when heading to the shelter, with the safest evacuation route via Anzac Avenue.

'This warning applies until Monday 6 p.m. If you do not evacuate before this time, your property may become isolated or flooded and it may be too late to leave,” the VIC Emergency warning reads.

VIC Emergency has issued two evacuation warnings for residents of the Seymour and Yea region, where major flooding is expected

A second emergency evacuation warning was issued for residents of Yea, in central Victoria.

Anyone in Miller Street, Loan Street, Whatton Place, Court Street, Mulqueeny Lane, Clarence Way, Newberry Chase and Buckland Court are being told to evacuate immediately.

A shelter will be open at Yea Shire Hall on High Street at 2pm, with residents urged to evacuate by 4pm.

“If you do not evacuate before 4 p.m., your property may become isolated or flooded and it may be too late to leave,” the warning reads.

Victoria State Emergency Service (SES) commander Mark Cattell urged residents to prepare immediately for possible flooding.

“Sandbags are available in Shepperton on the showground. Residents can collect these and place them around their properties,” Mr Cattell told Today.

He added that households and businesses should use about 25 sandbags to block gutters and doors.

Residents are advised to avoid driving if possible and are urged to stop safely, away from trees, drains, low lying areas and flood water if they encounter dangerous conditions.

Victoria SES also advised residents to move their vehicles undercover, stay indoors and secure loose items in their gardens and around their homes.

If outside, the SES is urging residents to move to a safe place and stay away from trees, drains, gutters, creeks, waterways and fallen power lines.

More than 700,000 lightning strikes have been recorded over parts of South Australia, Victoria and the North West since midnight on Saturday (pictured)

residents are advised to stay indoors and prepare immediately for possible flooding

Meanwhile, a warning has been issued to residents of southern New South Wales as storms moving across the area are forecast to bring heavy rain and possible flooding.

A severe thunderstorm warning was issued for the region South West Slopes, Riverina, Snowy Mountains, Southern Tablelands and Central West Slopes and Plains.

The southeastern coast of Australia bore the brunt of the thunderstorms, with more than 700,000 thunderstorms Lightning strikes have been recorded over parts of South Australia, western Victoria and western New South Wales since midnight on Saturday.

More than 3,000 Victorians are still without power on Monday morning after the state was soaked overnight.

In the west of the state, at least 1,800 houses and homes are still in the dark, while in the east more than 1,400 homes have been affected.

Heathcote, in central Victoria, was hit by 165mm of rain, while Redesdale, in eastern Bendigo, was hit by 133mm of rain.

Emergency services had carried out more than 46 flood rescues since the start of the year, including 26 in the 24 hours to 6am on Monday morning.