Source: Bureau of Meteorology

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

Issued at 4:56 pm Friday, 29 August 2025.

Damaging winds becoming widespread in the south this evening, impacting Melbourne overnight. Blizzards possible for alpine areas.

Weather Situation: A strong northwesterly airstream across the state is tending westerly as a front crosses the state. A vigorous southwesterly airstream is developing in the southwest of the state, transitioning east this evening, with the ranges and southern areas of the state at particular risk of widespread damaging winds. This flow will persist for 3 to 6 hours at any location before gradually easing.

For the GREAT DIVIDING RANGE: DAMAGING NORTHWESTERLY WINDS averaging 60 to 70 km/h with peak gusts around 110 km/h are likely to continue in the eastern ranges today. Winds will turn SOUTHWESTERLY this evening, initially in the Grampians and central ranges before extending to the eastern ranges early Saturday morning. Winds will gradually ease from the west during Saturday morning.

For SOUTHERN VICTORIA including MELBOURNE and GEELONG: DAMAGING SOUTHWESTERLY WINDS averaging 55 to 65 km/h with gusts around 100 km/h are currently developing in the South West district. These winds will extend into the Central district including MELBOURNE and GEELONG this evening, and into the Gippsland coast early Saturday morning. Winds averaging 70 to 80 km/h with gusts around 115 km/h are possible along the southern coastal fringe for a period of a few hours. Winds are expected to ease in western and central areas by sunrise Saturday and from the east by the early afternoon.

For WESTERN and NORTHERN VICTORIA: DAMAGING WIND GUSTS around 90 km/h are possible, initially in the west later this evening before extending into northern areas early Saturday morning. Winds are expected to ease in the west before sunrise, and in the north before midday.

BLIZZARD conditions are forecast for parts of the eastern ranges above 1200m.

Locations which may be affected include Melbourne, Geelong, Horsham, Warrnambool, Seymour, Maryborough, Ballarat, Stawell, Hamilton, Mt Hotham and Mt Buller.

128 km/h gust at Mt Hotham at 3:42 pm.

104 km/h gust at Falls Creek at 3:07 pm.

124 km/h gust at Mt Buller at 2:54 pm.

93 km/h gust at Mt William at 12:55 pm.

Sustained 63 km/h winds at Kilmore Gap around 12:30 pm.

94 km/h gust at Horsham at 12:05 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.