Source: Bureau of Meteorology

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

Issued at 5:07 am Monday, 2 September 2024.

Risk of damaging winds continuing into this afternoon. DESTRUCTIVE WINDS possible over the eastern ranges for another hour or two.

Weather Situation: A strong cold front over central Victoria to the east of Melbourne will continue to move rapidly eastwards today. A vigorous west to northwesterly airstream is in place ahead of the front, shifting west to southwesterly following its passage. The strength of these winds aloft, combined with scattered lines of showers and a few thunderstorms will continue to bring damaging winds to parts of the state today. Conditions are expected to gradually ease throughout the state during late afternoon and evening today.

FOR THE NORTHEAST RANGES: DAMAGING WEST TO NORTHWESTERLY WINDS averaging 60 to 70 km/h with peak gusts to 110 km/h, easing in the afternoon. DESTRUCTIVE WIND GUSTS up to 130 km/h for another hour or two, before easing later this morning.

REMAINING WARNING AREA EAST OF MELBOURNE: DAMAGING WEST TO NORTHWESTERLY WINDS averaging 50 to 65 km/h with peak gusts of around 110 km/h early this morning. Winds shifting west to southwesterly during the day and easing a little, although gusts to 90 km/h will remain possible into the afternoon. Damaging winds gusts will be most likely associated with scattered shower and thunderstorm activity.

REMAINING WARNING AREA WEST OF MELBOURNE: DAMAGING WEST TO SOUTHWESTERLY WINDS averaging 50 to 65 km/h with peak gusts of around 110 km/h around exposed coastal parts. Further inland, strong southwesterly winds with damaging gusts to 90 km/h are possible through the day to late afternoon. Damaging winds gusts will be most likely associated with scattered shower and thunderstorm activity.

Winds are expected to ease through most of the Victoria Monday evening.

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

Locations which may be affected include Horsham, Warrnambool, Bendigo, Seymour, Maryborough, Ballarat, Geelong, Melbourne, Wangaratta, Traralgon and Bairnsdale.

Significant wind observations in the past 6 hours to 4:50 AM AEST Monday include:

133 km/h wind gust was recorded at Mount Gellibrand

131 km/h wind gust was recorded at Falls Creek km/h wind gust was recorded at Cape otway

113 km/h wind gust was recorded at St Kilda Harbour

109 km/h wind gust was recorded at Casterton

98 km/h wind gust was recorded at Wangaratta

113 km/h wind gust was recorded at Aireys Inlet

93 km/h wind gust was recorded at Warracknabeal

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.