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 1:19 am Tuesday, 22 July 2025.

DAMAGING, LOCALLY DESTRUCTIVE WINDS OVERNIGHT, WITH BLIZZARD CONDITIONS FOR ALPINE AREAS FROM LATE TUESDAY MORNING.

Weather Situation: A strong northerly flow ahead of an approaching cold front is expected to produce damaging including LOCALLY DESTRUCTIVE winds across central and northeastern parts of the state from late this evening and into Tuesday morning. This front will move into eastern parts of Victoria by Tuesday afternoon, clearing the state by early evening.

For the GREAT DIVIDING RANGE including the GRAMPIANS: DAMAGING, LOCALLY DESTRUCTIVE, NORTHERLY WINDS averaging 60 to 80 km/h with gusts up to 125 km/h are likely from late this evening. Winds will ease around the Grampians shortly after sunrise on Tuesday, before easing in the central ranges during the early afternoon, and finally easing in the eastern ranges during the evening.

BLIZZARD conditions are forecast for areas above 1600 metres from late Tuesday morning, ceasing by Tuesday evening.

For the northern suburbs of MELBOURNE, the DANDENONG RANGES, the OTWAY RANGES, and the SURF COAST: Northerly winds with DAMAGING WIND GUSTS peaking around 90 km/h are likely from Tuesday morning before easing during the afternoon.

For the MORNINGTON PENINSULA: Strong to DAMAGING NORTHERLY WINDS averaging 50 to 65 km/h are possible for a short period from Tuesday morning to mid afternoon.

Locations which may be affected include Ballarat, Bacchus Marsh, Daylesford, Falls Creek, Tullamarine, Yarra Glen, Sorrento, the Dandenong Ranges, Mt Baw Baw and Kyneton.

A 120 km/h wind gust was recorded at Mount Hotham at 00:57am

A 120 km/h wind gust was recorded at Mount Buller at 00:49am

A 113 km/h wind gust was recorded at Falls Creek Airport at 11:44pm

A 113 km/h wind gust was recorded at Mount William at 11:48pm

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.