Source: Bureau of Meteorology

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

Issued at 11:26 am Friday, 19 July 2024.

Damaging winds developing about Alpine areas, Grampians and southwest coast, with blizzard conditions also likely about Alpine areas.

Weather Situation: Strengthening northwesterly flow ahead of an approaching cold front will result in damaging winds and blizzard conditions about Alpine areas, with damaging winds also likely for the Grampians, from late Friday afternoon. Winds are forecast to shift southwesterly on Saturday following the passage of the cold front, introducing damaging wind gusts about the exposed South West district coastal areas. Wind risk easing Saturday evening.

For the ALPINE AREAS: DAMAGING WINDS, averaging 60 to 70 km/h with peak gusts of around 100 km/h, along with BLIZZARD conditions above 1200 m are likely from late Friday afternoon, easing late Saturday afternoon.

For the GRAMPIANS: DAMAGING WINDS, averaging 60 to 70 km/h with peak gusts of around 90 km/h, are expected from late Friday afternoon, and expected to ease by Saturday evening.

For the SOUTH WEST COAST: Strong southwesterly winds averaging 50 to 60 km/h, with DAMAGING WIND GUSTS up to 100 km/h from early Saturday morning, easing by Saturday evening.

Locations which may be affected include Warrnambool, Portland, Falls Creek, Mt Hotham, Mt Buller and Omeo.

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.