Source: Bureau of Meteorology

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

Issued at 10:47 am Sunday, 1 October 2023.

Damaging winds over elevated terrain and extending to Gippsland on Sunday.

Weather Situation: A cold front is forecast to sweep across Victoria during Sunday morning bringing vigorous and gusty winds ahead of and behind it. Winds are expected to ease during Sunday evening as a high pressure ridge moves in behind the front.

West to southwesterly strong to DAMAGING WINDS averaging 55 to 65 km/h with peak gusts of around 90 km/h are possible over Gippsland, the eastern ranges and through the Latrobe Valley during Sunday, though winds will remain more northwesterly over the eastern ranges.

DAMAGING WIND GUSTS to around 100 km/h are possible over higher elevations above 1200 metres.

Damaging winds are expected to ease below warning thresholds by this evening.
Locations which may be affected include Morwell, Traralgon, Sale, Moe, Maffra, Bairnsdale, Falls Creek, Mt Buller and Omeo.

Severe weather is no longer occurring in the Central, South West, North Central and Wimmera districts and the warning for these districts is CANCELLED.

Significant wind gusts observations to 11:00am Sunday include:
104km/h at Wilsons Prom at 7:23am
104km/h at Mt Buller at 5:38am
96km/h at Mount William at 4:30am
87km/h at Yarram at 9:38am
87km/h at East Sale Airport at 10:37am
87km/h at Cape Otway at 4:59am

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.