Source: Bureau of Meteorology

For people in parts of East Gippsland, North East and West and South Gippsland Forecast Districts.

Issued at 4:53 am Friday, 31 May 2024.

Damaging wind gusts expected to persist over the eastern ranges today.

Weather Situation: A vigorous cold front is located over far eastern Victoria and is currently clearing to the east. West-northwesterly winds will likely restrengthen a little across elevated areas today as the post-frontal air stream strengthens.

For the NORTHEAST RANGES: DAMAGING WINDS have temporarily eased over much of the area, but stronger winds averaging 60 to 70 km/h with peak gusts of around 100 km/h are expected to redevelop over the highest terrain during this morning and persist into the afternoon.

DESTRUCTIVE WIND GUSTS exceeding 125 km/h are no longer expected.

For the OTWAY RANGES: Damaging wind gusts are no longer expected.

Rainfall rates have eased in the past few hours, and no further heavy rainfall heavy enough to produce flash flooding is expected over the area. Damaging winds are expected to ease throughout by late this afternoon.

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

Severe weather is no longer occurring in the Central, South West, Northern Country and North Central districts and the warning for these districts is CANCELLED.

124 km/h wind gust was recorded at Falls Creek at 2 am.

79 mm was recorded in the 6 hours to 4 am at Mount Hotham

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.