The Bureau of Meteorology issued a total fire ban for VIC and a severe fire danger warning for the Riverina this morning and thunderstorms are now predicted to hit both regions.

Duty forecasters say damaging winds, large hailstones and heavy rainfall that could lead to flash flooding is likely to batter the region over the next few hours. 

Windspeeds are tipped to hit 60-70km/h, with peak gusts of 105km/h.

Locations that could be affected include: 

The NSW Rural Fire Service warns that any bushfire that starts has the potential to threaten lives and destroy homes.