Source: Bureau of Meteorology

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

Issued at 10:27 am Monday, 2 October 2023.

Damaging wind gusts over elevated areas during Tuesday morning.

Weather Situation: Northwesterly winds increase during Tuesday morning ahead of an approaching upper trough. This upper trough continues to deepen and develops into a low with an associated surface low and cold front located over southern New South Wales and eastern Victoria during Wednesday.

DAMAGING WIND GUSTS with peak gusts of around 100 km/hr are likely over elevated areas of the central and eastern ranges during Tuesday morning.

Winds are expected to ease below warning thresholds by the middle of Tuesday.

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.