Source: Bureau of Meteorology

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

Issued at 10:48 am Monday, 2 September 2024.

Damaging winds continuing today, with destructive winds no longer expected.

Weather Situation: Unusually strong winds were recorded throughout the state early this morning as a strong cold front moved eastwards into NSW. Conditions have now eased somewhat, although the risk of damaging winds will continue until this evening, mostly with showers and thunderstorms embedded within a vigorous southwesterly airstream.

For the SOUTHWEST COAST, OTWAYS AND SURF COAST, EASTERN BAYSIDE SUBURBS, and GIPPSLAND: DAMAGING WINDS averaging 60 to 70 km/h with peaks gusts of around 100 km/h are likely today. DAMAGING WINDS are expected to be more isolated away from the coast into the eastern suburbs of Melbourne and into Gippsland, where peak gusts around 90 km/h are expected. Winds will gradually ease throughout the evening, contracting to the Bass Coast by late evening.

For the REMAINDER OF THE WARNING AREA INCLUDING MELBOURNE CITY, GEELONG, WESTERN INLAND AREAS, AND THE NORTHEAST RANGES: DAMAGING WINDS averaging 50 to 65 km/h with peak gusts of around 90 km/h are possible until early evening, mostly with gusty showers.

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

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

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

Significant wind observations to 10:30am Monday include:
146 km/h wind gust recorded at Wilson Promontory at 2:29am
141 km/h wind gust recorded at Mount Hotham at 5:52am
133 km/h wind gust recorded at Mount Gellibrand at 3:24am
131 km/h wind gust recorded at Falls Creek at 3:24am
125 km/h wind gust recorded at Mount Buller at 2:42am
124 km/h wind gust recorded at Nilma North (Warragul) at 3:16am
120 km/h wind gust recorded at Portland Airport at 5:24am
113 km/h wind gust recorded at Cape Otway at 3:23am
113 km/h wind gust recorded at St Kilda Harbour at 2:41am
113 km/h wind gust recorded at Aireys Inlet at 1:16am
113 km/h wind gust recorded at Mount William at 1:42am
109 km/h wind gust recorded at Casterton at 12:25am
109 km/h wind gust recorded at Port Fairy at 4:38am
106 km/h wind gust recorded at Yarram Airport at 11:51pm last night
104 km/h wind gust recorded at Geelong Racecourse at 3:37am
104 km/h wind gust recorded at Horsham Airport at 1:06am
102 km/h wind gust recorded at Laverton RAAF at 2:29am
102 km/h wind gust recorded at Essendon Airport at 2:57am
102 km/h wind gust recorded at Frankston Beach at 4:23am
100 km/h wind gust recorded at East Sale Airport at 5:09am
98 km/h wind gust was recorded at Wangaratta Airport at 4:52am

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.