Flash flooding across the Northern Grampians region has prompted over 15 calls to the State Emergency Service for assistance.

Ararat SES has received three calls while Stawell SES has received 15 calls.

SES deputy controller Brody Stewart said anyone in need of aid should call 132 500 and crews will arrive as soon as they are able.

"We've had a large volume of calls and we're getting around as we're able," he said.

Bureau of Meteorology senior forecaster Keris Arndt said the storm is being driven by a cold front and residents can expect a chilly, wet weekend.

"There is a big area of storms moving through ahead of a cold front that is still a way back and expected to move through the area this evening," he said.

"There may be more storms as the cold front moves through. We've got a warning out for potentially damaging winds and large hail, with some good rainfall rates coming through.

"Stawell has had 17mm and Mount William has also had 17mm.

"As it moves through later tonight the storm should ease off but we're likely to be left with more showers persisting all the way through the weekend, and some chilly westerly winds.

"There is the possibility of a flurry of snow at Mount William but it is just a possibility - the story is that it will be cold."

Earlier:

HEAVY rain has swept through the Wimmera from Horsham down to Ararat Friday afternoon.

The weather - which included hail, lightning and thunder - hit the Horsham region in the early afternoon before travelling down and hitting Ararat by about 5pm.

The Bureau of Meteorology stated that by 5.30pm Horsham had recorded 0.2mls, Stawell had recorded 0.6ml, while Ararat had recorded 3.6mls.

More to come.

In other news:

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