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 4:45 pm Thursday, 17 October 2024.

Damaging wind gusts developing about elevated terrain from early Friday morning.

Weather Situation: A deep low pressure system will move across the state overnight with a vigorous northerly flow ahead, resulting in the risk of damaging wind gusts about elevated terrain.

Strong winds averaging 50 to 60 km/h with DAMAGING WIND GUSTS of around 90 km/h are expected from early Friday morning before dawn for the Grampians, as well as the central and northeastern ranges.

The risk of damaging wind gusts are forecast to ease from the west during Friday morning, easing over the central and northeastern ranges during Friday afternoon. However, some uncertainty remains subject to the position and strength of the low tracking across the Bass Strait, and future warnings may include parts of the Gippsland coastline.

Separate severe thunderstorm warnings are likely during Friday affecting parts of Victoria, refer to http://www.bom.gov.au/vic/warnings/ for more information.

Locations which may be affected include Dargo, Mt Baw Baw, Falls Creek, Mt Hotham, 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.