Source: Bureau of Meteorology

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

Issued at 10:40 am Sunday, 22 October 2023.

Damaging wind gusts are forecast over southern Victoria and also elevated terrain in the northeast during Sunday.

Weather Situation: Northwest to southwesterly winds will strengthen as a low pressure system moves east through Bass Strait during Sunday, before reaching the Tasman Sea early Monday morning.

For SOUTH WEST COAST: Strong northwest to southwesterly winds averaging 50 to 60 km/h with DAMAGING WIND GUSTS of around 90 km/h are possible along the coast fringe east of Warrnambool today, gradually easing during the afternoon.

For elevated areas in the far NORTHEAST and EAST GIPPSLAND: Strong west to northwesterly winds averaging 50 to 60 km/h with DAMAGING WIND GUSTS of around 90km/h are possible from Sunday afternoon, easing during the late evening.

For SOUTHEAST CENTRAL and WEST AND SOUTH GIPPSLAND: Strong northwest to southwesterly winds averaging 50 to 60 km/h with DAMAGING WIND GUSTS of around 90 km/h are possible from Sunday afternoon, easing during the evening.

Locations which may be affected include Wonthaggi, Rosebud, Morwell, Traralgon, Sale, Maffra, Falls Creek, Mt Hotham and Omeo.

91 km/h wind gust was recorded at Aireys Inlet at 12:48 am.

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.