Source: Bureau of Meteorology

For people in Central, East Gippsland, West and South Gippsland and parts of South West, North Central, North East and Wimmera Forecast Districts.

Issued at 11:06 am Monday, 26 August 2024.

DAMAGING TO LOCALLY DESTRUCTIVE WINDS DEVELOPING FROM TUESDAY MORNING

Weather Situation: A deep, complex low-pressure system well to the south extends a cold front which will approach Victoria Tuesday and cross the State early Wednesday. This, combined with a persistent belt of high pressure across central Australia will result in a strengthening northwesterly gradient across the State during Tuesday, with westerlies following the front.

DAMAGING WINDS, averaging 50 to 60km/h with gusts to around 90 to 100km/h are expected to develop during TUESDAY MORNING over central and western elevated parts of the warning area including the Otways and Grampians as well as eastern Alpine peaks.

Winds further strengthening during TUESDAY AFTERNOON to average 60 to 70km/h with gusts to 100km/h over all elevated parts of the warning area and possibly extending southwards to adjacent lower elevations including parts of the outer northwestern suburbs of Melbourne in the afternoon, but more likely OVERNIGHT TUESDAY including the risk across many bayside suburbs.

DESTRUCTIVE WINDS, averaging around 65 to 80 km/h with gusts up to 130km/h are possible over Alpine peaks OVERNIGHT TUESDAY.

DAMAGING WINDS averaging 50 to 60km/h with gusts possible to 100km/h developing over the far southwest coast with the arrival of the cold front very late Tuesday or early Wednesday. This risk will extend eastwards with the cold front on subsequent issues.

Locations which may be affected include Ballarat, Geelong, Melbourne, Morwell, Traralgon and Moe.

The State Emergency Service advises that people should:
* If driving conditions are dangerous, safely pull over away from trees, drains, low-lying areas and floodwater. Avoid travel if possible.
* Stay safe by avoiding dangerous hazards, such as floodwater, mud, debris, damaged roads and fallen trees.
* Be aware - heat, fire or recent storms may make trees unstable and more likely to fall when it's windy or wet.
* Check that loose items, such as outdoor settings, umbrellas and trampolines are safely secured. Move vehicles under cover or away from trees.
* Stay indoors and away from windows.
* If outdoors, move to a safe place indoors. Stay away from trees, drains, gutters, creeks and waterways.
* Stay away from fallen powerlines - always assume they are live.
* Be aware that in fire affected areas, rainfall run-off into waterways may contain debris such as ash, soil, trees and rocks. Heavy rainfall may also increase the potential for landslides and debris across roads.
* Stay informed: Monitor weather warnings, forecasts and river levels at the Bureau of Meteorology website, and warnings through VicEmergency website/app/hotline.