Source: Bureau of Meteorology

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

Issued at 11:01 pm Friday, 29 August 2025.

Widespread damaging winds tonight, impacting Melbourne after midnight. Blizzards possible for alpine areas.

Weather Situation: A vigorous southwesterly airstream has developed in the southwest of the state, expected to continue moving east to impact central and eastern areas by early Saturday morning, 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: Strong northwesterly winds averaging 50 to 60 km/h with DAMAGING GUSTS around 90 km/h are possible about the eastern ranges late this evening and early Saturday. DAMAGING SOUTHWESTERLY WINDS averaging 60 to 70 km/h with peak gusts around 110 km/h have developed about the Grampians and central ranges, expected to extend to 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 have developed in the South West district. These winds are currently developing in the Central district including MELBOURNE and GEELONG, before extending to 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 late this evening and early Saturday morning. Winds are expected to ease in western and central areas during Saturday morning and from the east by the early afternoon.

For WESTERN and NORTHERN VICTORIA: DAMAGING WIND GUSTS around 90 km/h are possible in the west, 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 Horsham, Warrnambool, Seymour, Maryborough, Ballarat, Geelong, Melbourne, Stawell, Hamilton, Portland, Wonthaggi and Bacchus Marsh.

128 KM/H WIND GUST WAS RECORDED AT MT HOTHAM AT 3:42 PM.

96 km/h wind gust was recorded at Mt William at 10:27 pm.

104 km/h wind gust was recorded at Port Fairy at 9:56 pm.

102 km/h wind gust was recorded at Warrnambool at 9:25pm.

117 km/h wind gust was recorded at Cape Nelson Lighthouse at 8:07 pm.

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

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

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

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

94 km/h wind gust was recorded 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.