Source: Bureau of Meteorology

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

Issued at 10:55 am Friday, 28 June 2024.

Damaging wind gusts to develop about elevated terrain from Saturday morning.

Weather Situation: An approaching cold front is forecast to produce a vigorous northwesterly flow ahead of it which will move across the state from early Saturday morning, clearing from the west throughout the day.

For the OTWAY RANGES: DAMAGING WIND GUSTS with peak gusts of around 100 km/h are likely to develop from early Saturday morning. Winds are expected to ease by late Saturday morning.

For parts of GIPPSLAND, and CENTRAL and NORTHEAST RANGES: Strong winds averaging 50 to 60 km/h with DAMAGING WIND GUSTS of around 100 km/h are likely to develop over elevated areas from Saturday morning. DAMAGING WIND GUSTS or around 110 km/h are possible over higher terrain above 1200 m late Saturday morning. Winds are expected to ease during Saturday evening.

Locations which may be affected include Apollo Bay, Dargo, Gelantipy, Mt Baw Baw, Falls Creek, Mt Hotham 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.