Source: Bureau of Meteorology

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

Issued at 10:39 am Thursday, 26 December 2024.

Damaging wind gusts developing over central and western Victoria this morning.

Weather Situation: North to northwesterly winds are strengthening over western Victoria ahead of a cold front which reaches the state border early this afternoon before reaching central parts around sunset. Winds will shift west to southwest on and immediately behind the front before weakening over land by late this evening. Behind the front, westerly winds will remain strong over the southwest coast in the overnight hours, weakening by sunrise tomorrow.

North to northwesterly winds with DAMAGING WIND GUSTS with peak gusts of around 90 km/h are possible over the Grampians and Central ranges northwest of Melbourne this morning, before easing by the early afternoon.

Isolated DAMAGING WIND GUSTS with peak gusts of around 100 km/h are possible again from the early afternoon over broader parts of the Mallee, Wimmera, and South West districts as winds shift to the west to southwest along and immediately behind the cold front. Winds are expected to ease inland by late tonight.

For the SOUTHWEST COAST tonight: Strong winds averaging 50 to 60 km/h with DAMAGING WIND GUSTS of around 90 km/h are possible over the southwest coast and Surf Coast from late this evening. Winds are expected to ease below warning thresholds by sunrise tomorrow.

Locations which may be affected include Mildura, Horsham, Hamilton, Warrnambool, Portland, Maryborough, Kyneton, Ballarat and Bacchus Marsh.

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.