A “watch and act” emergency alert has been issued for parts of Greater Melbourne as a storm front hit parts of Gisborne and Woodend.

Thousands of properties are without power while flooding has caused a major phone outage in parts of the state.

The Bureau of Meteorology (BOM) has issued a warning for “very dangerous thunderstorms and intense rainfall that may lead to life-threatening flash flooding” in parts of Victoria, including Melbourne.

A mammoth 56.2mm of rain fell in the hour to 5.15am at Malmsbury Headwall, while Springhill-Tylden Road recorded 23mm in a 30 minute period.

The western part of the state has so far been worst hit.

Senior Meteorologist Mark Anolak  says the “worst of it … will hit the inner-east and outer-eastern suburbs, but the Melbourne CBD is not out of the question”.

“There’s quite a significant thunderstorm with heavy rainfall over the northern suburbs, heading east-southeasterly towards the inner east and outer eastern suburbs,” he told Ross and Russel.

Mr Anolak warns there may be further thunderstorm warnings this afternoon.

Press PLAY below for more details from the Bureau of Meteorology

PHOTOS: Severe flooding in Victorian towns after ‘intense rainfall’

Severe thunderstorms over the #Melbourne area have temporarily eased. However, the redevelopment of severe thunderstorms remains likely. The situation is being closely monitored. Further detailed warnings will be issued as necessary #Vicweather
Details: https://t.co/dNCMghM14G pic.twitter.com/UiRLdQ4esD

— Bureau of Meteorology, Victoria (@BOM_Vic) January 27, 2022

Image: Bureau of Meteorology