Source: Bureau of Meteorology

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

Issued at 10:46 am Saturday, 31 August 2024.

Damaging winds over parts of Victoria.

Weather Situation: A vigorous west to northwesterly airstream is bringing damaging winds to parts of the state today. Winds are expected to ease slightly overnight before redeveloping late Sunday.

FOR THE SOUTHWEST AND GEELONG AREA: DAMAGING WEST TO NORTHWESTERLY WINDS averaging 50 to 65 km/h with peak gusts of around 100 km/h are possible today, contracting to coastal areas this evening.

FOR MORNINGTON PENINSULA AND WESTERN GIPPSLAND: DAMAGING WEST TO NORTHWESTERLY WINDS averaging 50 to 65 km/h with peak gusts of around 90 km/h are possible, contracting to the Bass Coast fringe and Wilsons Promontory this afternoon.

FOR THE NORTHEAST RANGES: DAMAGING WEST TO NORTHWESTERLY WINDS averaging 60 to 70 km/h with peak gusts to 100 km/h are possible throughout the day today.

A Coastal Hazard Warning is also current for the Victoria coastline. Please refer to http://www.bom.gov.au/vic/warnings/

Locations which may be affected include Warrnambool, Portland, Falls Creek, Mt Buller and Omeo.

Significant wind observations to 10:30AM AEST Saturday include:

107 km/h wind gust was recorded at Mount William at 4:00 am.
96 km/h wind gust was recorded at Mount Hotham at 4:21 am.
93 km/h wind gust was recorded at Cape Otway at 6:47 am.
89 km/h wind gust was recorded at Aireys Inlet at 12:14 am.
87 km/h wind gust was recorded at Yarram Airport at 9:33 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.