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 4:49 pm 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 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 evening, contracting to coastal areas during Saturday evening.

FOR 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 the Bass Coast fringe and Wilsons Promontory during Saturday afternoon.

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

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.
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.