Source: Bureau of Meteorology

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

Issued at 5:00 am Thursday, 5 September 2024.
Damaging winds developing about the Surf Coast and central and eastern ranges.

Weather Situation: North to northwesterly winds have strengthened across Victoria ahead of a trough and cold front approaching from the west.
For the OTWAY RANGES AND SURF COAST: DAMAGING WIND GUSTS with peak gusts of around 90 km/h are possible, easing by mid Thursday morning.

For the CENTRAL RANGES, OUTER NORTHERN MELBOURNE SUBURBS AND EASTERN RANGES: DAMAGING WINDS averaging 55 to 65 km/h with peak gusts of 90 to 100 km/h are likely on Thursday morning Winds should ease about the central ranges and outer Melbourne area by mid Thursday afternoon, but are expected to persist about the eastern ranges throughout the day.

For the GRAMPIANS: DAMAGING WINDs averaging 55 to 65 km/h with peak gusts of 90 to 100 km/h are expected to develop late on Thursday night and early Friday morning.
A stronger cold front approaching late on Thursday will likely see winds strengthen across central and eastern parts of the state again by early Friday morning. The warning may be extended further south through Gippsland on Friday.

Locations which may be affected include Bacchus Marsh, Mt Baw Baw, Falls Creek, Mt Hotham, Mt Buller and Omeo.

Significant wind gusts observed to 4:50am:
102 km/h at Mount Buller at 3.10am
95 km/h at Mount Hotham at 1.31am
93 km/h at Mount William at 12.47am
87 km/h at South Channel Island (Port Phillip Bay) at 2.18am

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.