Severe Weather Warning for DAMAGING WINDS For people in parts of Mallee Forecast District.
Windy conditions today with damaging winds possible.
Weather Situation: A strong cold front that is forecast to shift off the coast later this morning will produce a vigorous west to southwesterly airstream across a large portion of the state today.
DAMAGING WEST to SOUTHWESTERLY WINDS averaging 50 to 70 km/h with peak gusts up to 110 km/h are likely along much of the Central and Gippsland districts today, including Melbourne.
For the remainder of the warning area, squally conditions will develop during the day with DAMAGING GUSTS up to 100 km/h possible, especially with showers or thunderstorms.
Winds are expected to moderate later this evening although Central and Gippsland coastal locations will remain a risk.
Locations which may be affected include Horsham, Warrnambool, Bendigo, Shepparton, Seymour, Maryborough, Ballarat, Geelong, Melbourne, Wodonga, Wangaratta, Traralgon and Bairnsdale.
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.
