Residents of Melbourne and parts of Gippsland have been told to brace for large hailstones, flash flooding and damaging winds as severe thunderstorms roll across the state’s south.

The Bureau of Meteorology said areas around Geelong and on the Mornington and Bellarine peninsulas were among those likely to be battered by the front.

Severe thunderstorms were detected earlier near Lara, Mordialloc and Altona.

“These thunderstorms are moving towards the east. They are forecast to affect Caulfield, Dandenong and Williamstown by 3.15 pm and Berwick, Glen Waverley and Melbourne City by 3.45 pm,” the bureau said.

The storms are the result of a trough moving through the south of the state.

State Emergency Service urged people to stay indoors and away from windows, powerlines and trees.

Residents in impacted areas should also make sure loose outdoor items such as outdoor settings, umbrellas and trampolines are tied down and cars parked undercover.

The emergency service urged drivers to beware of hazards such as floodwater, mud, debris, damaged roads and fallen trees, and to pull away from trees if road conditions turn dangerous.