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 8:07 am Thursday, 30 May 2024.

Damaging wind gusts and heavy rainfall expected across elevated parts of the state today and Friday.

Weather Situation: A vigorous cold front is approaching from the west of the state today and will progress across the state, clearing by late Friday morning. This will strengthen the pressure gradient and north to northwesterly winds across elevated areas and their immediate lee slopes during today and Friday. Heavy rainfall is expected to develop over the ranges in northeastern Victoria from late this evening into early Friday morning.

For the GRAMPIANS AND OTWAY RANGES: Strong winds averaging 50 to 60 km/h with DAMAGING WIND GUSTS of around 90 km/h are occurring this morning. Winds are expected to ease by mid-afternoon today.

For the CENTRAL AND NORTHEAST RANGES and parts of GIPPSLAND: DAMAGING WINDS averaging 60 to 70 km/h with peak gusts of around 90 km/h are occurring this morning. Winds will ease early this afternoon before strengthening again through parts of the Gippsland and Northeast Ranges early in the evening, with DAMAGING WINDS averaging 60 to 70 km/h and peak gusts of around 100 km/h likely.

DAMAGING WINDS averaging 60 to 70 km/h with peak gusts of around 110km/h are possible for elevated peaks over 1200 m during this evening and early Friday morning. Winds are expected to ease by late Friday morning.

For NORTHEAST RANGES: HEAVY RAINFALL which may lead to FLASH FLOODING is forecast to develop during late this evening into early Friday morning. Six-hourly rainfall totals between 50 and 70 mm are possible. This threat is likely to ease by late Friday morning.

Locations which may be affected include Bright, Mt Baw Baw, Falls Creek, Mt Hotham, Mt Buller and Omeo.

122 km/h wind gust was recorded at Mount William at 7:41am.

105 km/h wind gust was recorded at Mount Buller Airport at 7:55am

104 km/h wind gust was recorded at Mount Hotham at 7:34am.

63 km/h 10-minute mean winds were recorded at Kilmore gap at 7:20am.

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.