Source: Bureau of Meteorology

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

Issued at 10:52 am Thursday, 17 October 2024.

Damaging wind gusts developing later tonight and tomorrow morning.

Weather Situation: A deep low pressure system will move across the state tonight and tomorrow morning bringing strong northerly flow ahead of it.

Strong winds averaging 50 to 60 km/h with DAMAGING WIND GUSTS to around 90 to 100 km/h are expected overnight tonight and early Friday over western and central parts of the state, extending from the Grampians to the eastern Alpine peaks, including the northern suburbs of Melbourne.

The damaging wind risks are expected to ease during Friday morning.

Locations which may be affected include Stawell, Maryborough, Kyneton, Ballarat, Bacchus Marsh and Falls Creek.

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.