09/02/2020
The SEVERE WEATHER WARNING for DAMAGING WINDS has been updated.
Weather Situation: A series of cold fronts will move over Victoria in the coming days.
DAMAGING NORTH TO NORTHWESTERLY WINDS, averaging 60 to 70 km/h with peak gusts of around 100 km/h are likely across eastern Alpine parts of the warning area above 1200m in elevation this evening, with gusts to 110 km/h possible above 1500m elevation.
DAMAGING WINDS will almost easing below warning threshold by late Thursday morning.
DAMAGING NORTHWESTERLY WINDS averaging 60 to 70km/h with gusts to 110km/h will likely re-develop over Alpine areas (above 1200m in elevation) of eastern Victoria by Thursday afternoon.
SQUALLY WEST TO NORTHWESTERLY WINDS, averaging 50 to 60 km/h with gusts to 100 km/h are possible over western and central parts of the warning area above 600m in elevation from Thursday morning, and also near the coast or associated with showers or thunderstorms, as a cold front moves through. This risk extends to remaining central areas indicated, including much of the greater Melbourne area during Thursday afternoon.
DAMAGING WINDS are likely to rapidly ease away from the coast in the west and central districts following the front on Thursday, with the risk near the coast easing during Thursday evening and over Alpine areas early Friday morning.
Locations which may be affected include Warrnambool, Ballarat, Geelong, Melbourne, Wonthaggi and Bacchus Marsh.
Strongest wind gust so far:
107km/h at Mount Hotham at 4:56pm
91 km/h at Melbourne Airport at 1:29pm
The State Emergency Service advises that people should:
* Be aware that trees that have been damaged by heat or fire may be unstable and more likely to fall when it is windy or wet.
* Check that loose items such as outdoor settings, umbrellas and trampolines are safely secured and 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.
* 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.
* Stay away from fallen powerlines always assume they are live.
* Stay informed monitor weather warnings, forecasts and river levels at the Bureau of Meteorology website, and warnings through VicEmergency.
Stay informed: http://www.bom.gov.au/vic/warnings/
