Source: Bureau of Meteorology

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

Issued at 4:33 pm Thursday, 8 January 2026.

Localised damaging winds with thunderstorms over parts of central, northern and eastern Victoria.

Weather Situation: Very hot and moderately unstable conditions across central, northern and eastern Victoria to the east of a surface trough will support the development of high-based thunderstorms capable of producing localised damaging wind gusts.

Severe thunderstorms are likely to produce damaging winds in the warning area over the next several hours. Locations which may be affected include Bendigo, Shepparton, Seymour, Wangaratta, Orbost and Corryong.

Note, a Severe Weather Warning has also been issued for FRIDAY for a broader damaging wind risk over much of Victoria.

A 98 km/h wind gust was recorded at Mt Buller at 3:37 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.