Source: Bureau of Meteorology

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

Issued at 6:38 pm Wednesday, 28 August 2024.
Damaging winds easing this evening.

Weather Situation: A vigorous westerly airstream with an embedded front will continue easing from the west 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 100 km/h are possible across the warning area. Gusts to 110km/h remain possible over coastal locations for the next hour.

Winds are expected to contract to the Gippsland coast over the next few hours and ease below warning threshold overnight.

Locations which may be affected include Morwell, Traralgon, Sale, Moe, Bairnsdale and Orbost.

Severe weather is no longer occurring in the South West, North Central and North East districts and the warning for these districts is CANCELLED.

Significant wind observations to 4:50pm AEST Wednesday include:
Sustained 106 km/h winds with a 154 km/h wind gust were recorded at Wilsons Promontory at 4:06 pm
Sustained 106 km/h winds with a 131 km/h wind gust were recorded at Mount Gellibrand at 2:32 pm
Sustained 80 km/h winds with a 113 km/h wind gust were recorded at Cape Otway at 2:32 pm
Sustained 78 km/h winds with a 104 km/h wind gust were recorded at Yanakie at 3:07 pm
Sustained 76 km/h winds with a 102 km/h wind gust were recorded at Avalon at 3:56 pm
100 km/h wind gust was recorded at Melbourne Airport at 4:34 pm.
98 km/h wind gust was recorded at Pound Creek at 3:21 pm and at Yarram at 4:01pm
94 km/h wind gust was recorded at Essendon at 4:33 pm and at Portland at 1:17pm
93 km/h wind gust was recorded at at Point Cook at 3:26 pm and at Warrnambool at 2:01 pm

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.