Source: Bureau of Meteorology

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

Issued at 10:59 am Tuesday, 8 July 2025.

Damaging winds for Mornington Peninsula and Ranges today, with blizzards possible in the Alps.

Weather Situation: North to northwesterly winds have increased ahead of a cold front crossing Victoria today, bringing damaging winds to parts of the state and blizzards to alpine areas.

For THE GRAMPIANS, CENTRAL RANGES and parts of the MORNINGTON PENINSULA: DAMAGING WIND GUSTS with peak gusts in excess of 90 km/h are possible this morning and early afternoon, easing thereafter.

For EASTERN RANGES including ALPINE PEAKS: DAMAGING WIND GUSTS with peak gusts in excess of 90 km/h are possible today for areas below 1200 metres. This becomes likely with DAMAGING WINDS of around 60 to 70 km/h with peaks gusts of around 100 km/h for alpine areas above 1200 metres. BLIZZARD conditions are also forecast for alpine areas above 1200 metres today, and may continue into the early evening. Both hazards are expected to ease below warning thresholds this evening.

Locations which may be affected include Ballarat, Falls Creek, Dargo, Mt Baw Baw, Rosebud, Sorrento, Mt Hotham, Mt Buller and Omeo.

107 km/h wind gust was recorded at Mt Buller Airport at 9:17am, with sustained 72 km/h winds at 9:30am.

98 km/h wind gust was recorded at Mt Hotham at 8:18am, with sustained 67 km/h winds at 9:00am.

Sustained 65km/h winds were recorded at Kilmore Gap at 5:30am.

102 km/h wind gust was recorded at Mount William at 1:42am, with sustained 65 km/h winds at 2:00am.

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.