Source: Bureau of Meteorology

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

Issued at 10:11 pm Sunday, 15 November 2020.

DAMAGING WINDS SUNDAY EVENING AND MONDAY

Weather Situation: Strong and gusty northerly winds ahead of a low pressure trough expected to cross the State later tonight into Monday . Strong and gusty westerly winds then develop in the south and Grampians on Monday morning.

DAMAGING NORTHERLY WINDS, averaging 50 to 70 km/h with peak gusts of around 100 to 110 km/h are expected across elevated areas (above 400m) of central and eastern Victoria this evening.

DAMAGING NORTHERLY WINDS are expected to continue overnight Sunday into Monday, but will ease from the west behind a change which is currently over western Victoria and is expected to reach central districts early Monday before clearing the east during the afternoon.

DAMAGING WESTERLY WINDS averaging 40 to 60km/h with peak gusts of around 90km/h are possible about the south coast and Grampians during Monday morning, easing by the late afternoon.

Locations which may be affected include Warrnambool, Geelong, Morwell, Traralgon, Sale and Bairnsdale.

Strongest gusts recorded today:

- 100 km/h at Mt Gellibrand at 13:22

- 98 km/h at Fawkner Beacon at 17:19

- 93 km/h at Melbourne Airport at 16:57

- 91 km/h at St Kilda Beach at 17:17

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.