Source: Bureau of Meteorology

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

Issued at 11:48 am Wednesday, 9 October 2024.

Damaging wind risk about the Otways, Central Ranges and outer northern suburbs of Melbourne on Thursday morning.

Weather Situation: A cold front will cross southern parts of the state on Thursday morning, generating a vigorous northwesterly flow about areas immediately downwind of the Otways and Central Ranges. The risk of damaging wind gusts is expected chiefly ahead of this cold front, which is expected to clear central parts of the state by the early afternoon.

Strong northwesterly winds averaging 50 to 60 km/h with DAMAGING WIND GUSTS of around 90 km/h are possible about the Otways coast and southern slopes of the Central Ranges, extending into the outer northern suburbs of Melbourne, from early Thursday morning.

Winds are expected to ease below warning thresholds during late Thursday morning about the Otways and throughout by the early afternoon.

Locations which may be affected include Apollo Bay, Aireys Inlet, Bacchus Marsh, Melbourne Airport and the outer northern suburbs of Melbourne.

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.