By Инфоњуз 
Severe thunderstorms, heavy rain, and damaging winds are lashing large areas of Victoria, with authorities urging residents to seek shelter and stay indoors.
Thousands of homes across Melbourne are without power after storms swept through the city on Tuesday afternoon. The State Emergency Service (SES) is responding to hundreds of calls for help as strong winds and rain caused significant damage to homes and infrastructure.
Severe thunderstorm warnings were issued for northern, eastern, and southern suburbs, with residents in affected areas urged to remain indoors. Rivers including the Werribee, Yarra, and Bunyip have overflowed, contributing to widespread flooding.
While the worst of the storms have passed, showers and storms are expected to return throughout the evening. The Bureau of Meteorology (BoM) warns that damaging winds and large hailstones remain possible.
The SES has received nearly 230 requests for assistance across the day, with more than half related to building damage or fallen trees, and about 70 caused by floods. Officials continue to advise residents in Seymour, Castlemaine, Kyneton, Kilmore, and surrounding areas to remain indoors as conditions remain hazardous.