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 10:54 am Thursday, 18 September 2025.

Damaging winds developing over parts of the state during Friday.

Weather Situation: Northwesterly winds strengthen on Friday ahead of an approaching cold front. The cold front will cross Victoria during Friday evening and move into the Tasman Sea during Saturday morning, with winds shifting westerly and easing in its wake.

Northwesterly DAMAGING WINDS averaging 55 to 65 km/h with peak gusts of around 90 km/h are possible from mid Friday morning, including northern parts of Melbourne and the Mornington Peninsula. DAMAGING WINDS becoming likely from late Friday morning, with peak gusts of around 100 km/h for areas above 1200 metres.

Winds are expected to temporarily ease during Friday afternoon, before increasing again and shifting westerly as the front moves through central Victoria in the evening. Winds will gradually ease from the west behind the front, easing throughout the state by early Saturday morning.

Locations which may be affected include Bacchus Marsh, Dargo, Mt Baw Baw, Rosebud, Omeo, and parts of the Melbourne Metropolitan Area.

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.