Source: Bureau of Meteorology

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

Issued at 10:57 am Wednesday, 28 August 2024.
Damaging winds to continue over parts of Victoria today.

Weather Situation: A vigorous westerly airstream with an embedded front will continue to affect Victoria today, easing tonight as the cold front moves off the coast and over the Tasman Sea.

DAMAGING WINDS averaging 60 to 70 km/h with peak gusts around 110 km/h are possible across the warning area. The highest risk period is during the afternoon or with approaching showers. Coastal locations are at higher risk, especially the most southern coasts where thunderstorms are possible.

Winds are expected to rapidly ease inland in the evening then contract to the Gippsland coast by tonight before easing below warning threshold early Thursday.

Locations which may be affected include Horsham, Warrnambool, Maryborough, Ballarat, Geelong, Melbourne, Traralgon and Bairnsdale.

Severe weather is no longer occurring in the Northern Country district and the warning for this district is CANCELLED.

Significant wind observations to 10:50am AEST Wednesday include:
Sustained 96 km/h winds with a 128 km/h wind gust were recorded at Mount Buller at 2:48 am
124 km/h wind gust was recorded at Cape Otway at 4:24 am
119 km/h wind gust was recorded at Wilsons Promontory at 8:08 am
106 km/h wind gust was recorded at Portland at 3:16 am
104 km/h wind gust was recorded at Falls Creek at 4:48 am
96 km/h wind gust was recorded at Avalon Airport at 1:37 am
Sustained 70km/h winds with a 96 km/h wind gust were recorded at Mount Gellibrand at 10:47 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.