People have been urged to find shelter after a severe thunderstorm caused flash flooding, closed a major scenic tourism road and washed cars out to sea.

An emergency warning was in place for the Wye, Kennett and Cumberland rivers in the Lorne area in Victoria’s southwest coast after thunderstorms dumped more than 170mm of rain on the area on Thursday afternoon.

A video posted on social media showed a 4WD being taken by a raging current as spectators watched from higher ground.

The scenic Great Ocean Rd was closed in both directions from Skenes Creek Rd in Skenes Creek to Hird St in Lorne, with only emergency services allowed to pass.

The local Foodworks grocery store in Lorne was forced to shut its doors until further notice due to flash flooding, as it urged people to avoid the area.

The Bureau of Meteorology issued a warning at midday on Thursday for severe thunderstorms likely to produce heavy rainfall leading to flash flooding in the next several hours.

More than 175mm of rainfall was observed in the six hours to 3pm at the nearby Mount Crowley.

The Lorne Community House had opened its doors to anyone escaping the conditions who needed shelter.