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 10:44 am Wednesday, 24 July 2024.

Damaging wind gusts about western and central parts of Victoria, extending east later this evening.

Weather Situation: A strong cold front will move across South Australia today, and approach the Victorian border late in the evening. Northwesterly winds ahead of the front will strengthen over Victoria. 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 NORTHERN MELBOURNE SUBURBS: Strong winds averaging 50 to 60 km/h, with DAMAGING WIND GUSTS of around 100 km/h are possible today. These damaging wind gusts may ease for a period during the afternoon, but are expected to redevelop in the evening, before easing from the west during Thursday morning.

For ALPINE AND ADJACENT AREAS: DAMAGING WINDS averaging 60 to 70 km/h with peak gusts of around 120 km/h are possible from late this evening. 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 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.