Source: Bureau of Meteorology

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

Issued at 10:59 am Friday, 30 August 2024.

Damaging winds redeveloping over parts of Victoria

Weather Situation: A vigorous west to northwesterly airstream is developing over the southwest of the state, ahead of a cold front which will graze southern parts of the state overnight tonight into Saturday morning. This front will also spread strong winds aloft to elevated areas during Saturday.

FOR THE NORTHEAST RANGES: Winds have eased this morning, but DAMAGING WEST TO NORTHWESTERLY WINDS averaging 60 to 70 km/h with peak gusts to 100 km/h are possible again from late this evening and throughout Saturday.

FOR THE SOUTHWEST AND GEELONG AREA: DAMAGING WEST TO NORTHWESTERLY WINDS averaging 50 to 65 km/h with peak gusts of around 100 km/h are possible from this afternoon over the southwest coast, Otways, and about the Grampians, becoming more likely from this evening. Overnight the risk of DAMAGING WINDS will extend to remaining inland areas of the southwest and the area around Geelong, then contract to coastal areas during Saturday evening.

FOR THE MORNINGTON PENINSULA AND WESTERN GIPPSLAND: DAMAGING WEST TO NORTHWESTERLY WINDS averaging 50 to 65 km/h with peak gusts of around 90 km/h are possible from early Saturday morning, contracting to coastal areas of the Bass Coast and Wilsons Promontory during Saturday afternoon.

A Coastal Hazard Warning is also current for the Victoria coastline. Please refer to http://www.bom.gov.au/vic/warnings/

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

98 km/h wind gust was recorded at Mount Hotham at 9:30 pm on Thursday.
91 km/h wind gust was recorded at Mount Buller at 10:10 pm on Thursday.
93 km/h wind gust was recorded at Melbourne Airport at 11:13 pm on Thursday.
95 km/h wind gust was recorded at St Kilda Harbour at 11:53 pm on Thursday.
120 km/h wind gust was recorded at Warrnambool Airport at 11:50 pm on Thursday.
115 km/h wind gust was recorded at Mount William at 00:25 am.
111 km/h wind gust was recorded at Mount Gellibrand at 00:40 am.

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.