A low pressure trough extending from central New South Wales southwards into Victoria is slow moving. An upper level trough will move over the state today then a low pressure system will develop to the east of Victoria on Saturday.

On Sunday the low will drift eastwards and a high pressure system will move towards Tasmania on Monday.

Localised thunderstorm activity overnight produced isolated rainfall totals of up to 62mm in west and south Gippsland.

Catchment wide totals of 30 to 50mm are forecast during Friday and into the weekend. With forecast thunderstorm activity, isolated totals of more than 100mm are also possible. This forecast is expected to cause stream rises in west and south Gippsland with the possibility of flooding developing during Friday and into the weekend.

The Flood Watch means people living or working along rivers and streams must monitor the latest weather forecasts and warnings and be ready to move to higher ground should flooding develop.

Flood warnings will be issued if minor flood level is expected to be exceeded at key sites along the main rivers for which the Bureau of Meteorology provides a flood warning service. For detailed explanation visit http://www.bom.gov.au/hydro/flood /vic/brochures/flood_watch/flood_ watch.shtml

The Bureau of Meteorology is monitoring the situation and will issue catchment specific warnings if and when required.