Source: Bureau of Meteorology

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

Issued at 6:30 pm Saturday, 24 August 2024.

Damaging wind gusts to return to alpine areas on Sunday evening.

Weather Situation: A cold front is expected to approach the eastern ranges during Sunday afternoon, with strengthening northwesterly winds ahead of it during Sunday evening. Damaging wind gusts are likely just before or during the frontal passage, particularly in showers and thunderstorms, and will ease in its wake from the west overnight into Monday.

Strong west to northwesterly winds with DAMAGING WIND GUSTS of around 90 km/h are likely over alpine areas during Sunday evening and into early Monday morning.
Winds are expected to ease below warning thresholds by sunrise on Monday morning.

Locations which may be affected include Dargo, Mt Baw Baw, Falls Creek, Mt Hotham, Mt Buller and Omeo.

Severe thunderstorms are likely to develop over large portions of Victoria during Sunday, and additional severe thunderstorm warnings may be issued if necessary. Please refer to http://www.bom.gov.au/vic/warnings/ for more information.

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.