Source: Bureau of Meteorology

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

Issued at 4:14 pm Wednesday, 6 May 2020.
Strong and squally northerly winds developing Thursday morning

A cold front will move across waters south of the Bight this evening, then will slide southeastwards across Victoria Thursday morning and early afternoon.

DAMAGING WINDS, averaging 60 to 70 km/h with peak gusts of 90 to 100 km/h are expected to develop in overnight and Thursday morning. Elevated areas above 300 metres within the warning area are considered most likely to experience the damaging gusts, but they are possible elsewhere within the warning area.

Alpine areas (above 1200 metres) in the east of the State could see peak gusts of 110-120km/h early Thursday afternoon.

Winds are expected to ease over the southwest late morning and over the Melbourne area by mid afternoon and eastern areas overnight.

Locations which may be affected include Warrnambool, Maryborough, Ballarat, Geelong, Melbourne and Bacchus Marsh.

The State Emergency Service advises that people should:
* Be aware that trees that have been damaged by heat or fire may be unstable and more likely to fall when it is windy or wet.
* Check that loose items such as outdoor settings, umbrellas and trampolines are safely secured and 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.
* 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.
* Stay away from fallen powerlines always assume they are live.
* Stay informed monitor weather warnings, forecasts and river levels at the Bureau of Meteorology website, and warnings through VicEmergency.