A THUNDERSTORM warning has been issued by the Bureau of Meteorology (BOM) and the Department of Health has followed with a high-level forecast for Thunderstorm Asthma, as a storm system moves across Victoria with thunder and lightning to hit Phillip Island before moving to the mainland across Bass Coast and South Gippsland from the North West of Victoria.
The Bureau of Meteorology warns that, at 2:30 pm, severe thunderstorms likely to produce damaging winds were detected near Hastings and waters off Sandringham. These thunderstorms are moving towards the southeast. They are forecast to affect Footscray, Frankston and St Albans by 3:00 pm and Cranbourne, Mordialloc and the area south of Cranbourne by 3:30 pm.
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.
* Stay informed: Monitor weather warnings, forecasts and river levels at the Bureau of Meteorology website, and warnings through VicEmergency website/app/hotline.
Victoria’s Chief Health Officer has advised there is currently a high risk of epidemic thunderstorm asthma for the North Central and West and South Gippsland districts.
The combination of forecast high grass pollen levels and a certain type of thunderstorm with strong winds means that there is a chance that a large number of people may develop asthma symptoms over a short period of time.
Health and emergency services are monitoring the situation closely and are ready to respond.
People with asthma, spring hay fever, and those with undiagnosed asthma are at increased risk and should avoid the wind gusts before and during the storm by going inside and closing your windows and doors and turning off air conditioners that bring in air from the outside (ie evaporative air conditioners).
People with asthma should have their reliever medication with them at all times today and review their asthma action plan. Those with spring hay fever should learn asthma first aid and have ready access to an asthma reliever at short notice.
If you feel unwell, call ‘Nurse on Call’ on 1300 60 60 24, visit the Victorian Virtual Emergency Department at www.vved.org.au or see your local doctor if you require medical advice.
Call triple zero (000) immediately if someone is not breathing, if their asthma suddenly becomes worse or is not improving, or if the person is having an asthma attack and a reliever puffer is not available.
For up-to-date information visit the VicEmergency website or download the VicEmergency App.