Source: Bureau of Meteorology

For people in parts of Central, South West, North Central and Wimmera Forecast Districts.

Issued at 10:57 am Tuesday, 23 July 2024.
Damaging wind gusts developing about the Grampians, the Otway Ranges, and the Macedon and Central Ranges, including the northern suburbs of Melbourne, early tomorrow morning.

Weather Situation: A strong cold front will move across South Australia during Wednesday, and approach the Victorian border on Wednesday night. Northwesterly winds ahead of the front will strengthen over Victoria from early Wednesday morning.
For the Grampians, Otway Ranges, Macedon and Central Ranges, and northern Melbourne suburbs: DAMAGING WIND GUSTS with peak gusts of around 100 km/h are possible from early on Wednesday morning.

These damaging wind gusts are expected to ease early on Wednesday afternoon, but are expected to redevelop and extend eastwards overnight Wednesday into Thursday.

Locations which may be affected include the Grampians, Otway Ranges and Apollo Bay, Macedon and Central Ranges, Bacchus Marsh and northern Melbourne suburbs.

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.