A severe weather warning has been issued statewide with flash flooding and damaging winds forecast in parts of Melbourne's urban areas over the next few days.

According to the Bureau of Meteorology, rain totals will peak at 60-100mm across much of Victoria, potentially causing major riverine flooding, flash flooding, and damaging winds.

In his advice to Victorians, State Emergency Service Chief Operations Officer Tim Wiebusch reminds us to plan travel accordingly and urges people to avoid travelling on Thursday where possible.

Once the rain starts, it is important to heed warnings to stay indoors and not drive or walk through flood waters.

Familiarise yourself with your local flood guide

The State Emergency Service (SES) has compiled a handy list of local flood guides which can be found here.

These Local Flood Guides from VIC SES contain a wealth of information that can help you better understand your flood risk, how flood warnings work and how to prepare yourself, your home or your business for flooding.

Download the VicEmergency smartphone app

The VicEmergency app will be the quickest and easiest way to receive any relevant emergency warnings.

Bureau of Meteorology (BOM)

The BOM also provides radar information that can be useful for observing rain patterns.

Important Renter Information:

In the event of an emergency

Should you require urgent maintenance, please log onto the Nelson Alexander app, and follow the advised urgent repair procedure as indicated by your Property Manager at the commencement of your tenancy.

You can download the Nelson Alexander app for Android phones via Google Play here or for Apple phones via the Apple App Store here.

Please note that in the case of an emergency, the Residential Tenancy Act of 1997 allows you to organise urgent repairs on weekends and after-hours if you cannot contact your Property Manager.

Urgent repairs include but are not limited to burst water pipes, serious roof leaks, gas leakage, electrical fault, flooding or serious flood damage, or something that threatens life.

Plan ahead and stay safe

Below are some helpful tips and information on how to prepare for a flood:

• Phone the VicEmergency Hotline on 1800 226 226
• Decide what you and your family will do if flooding occurs. Prepare by visiting this link
• Observe conditions regularly on Vic Emergency's website
• Never drive, ride or walk through floodwater
• Stay away from fallen trees, power lines, and damaged buildings during a flood;
• Keep away from drains, culverts, and waterways during a flood.
• To assist people from multicultural communities, important information is available from VIC SES in a number of languages here
• Encourage family members and pets to stay indoors
• Keep doors, windows and curtains closed
• Secure any loose items in the garden, balcony or outdoor areas.
• Turn off and unplug non-essential electrical devices to avoid power surge damage
• If safe to do so, clear any drain pipes and guttering before rainfall starts

Remember to take care of your family and neighbours, including elderly people, children, and pets.