Source: Bureau of Meteorology

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

Issued at 4:49 pm Tuesday, 23 July 2024.

Damaging wind gusts developing about western and central parts of Victoria early Wednesday morning, and extending east Wednesday night.

Weather Situation: A strong cold front will move across South Australia during Wednesday, and approach the Victorian border on Wednesday night. Northwesterly winds ahead of the front will strengthen over Victoria from early Wednesday morning. The front will move across Victoria during Thursday, and winds will ease from the west in its wake.

For the Grampians, Otway Ranges, Macedon and Central Ranges, and adjacent areas including Bacchus Marsh, Yarra Glen, and northern Melbourne suburbs:

DAMAGING WIND GUSTS with peak gusts of around 100 km/h are possible from early on Wednesday morning.

These damaging wind gusts may ease during Wednesday afternoon, but are expected to redevelop on Wednesday night.

These damaging wind gusts are forecast to ease below warning thresholds from the west during Thursday morning.

For alpine and adjacent areas, including Mt Baw Baw, Mt Buller, Mt Hotham, Falls Creek, and Omeo:

DAMAGING WINDS averaging 60 to 70 km/h with peak gusts of around 120 km/h are possible from Wednesday night.

These damaging winds are forecast to ease below warning thresholds from the west during Thursday afternoon.

Locations which may be affected include the Grampians, Otway Ranges, Macedon and Central Ranges, Bacchus Marsh, Yarra Glen, northern Melbourne suburbs, Mt Baw Baw, 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