Source: Bureau of Meteorology

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

Issued at 10:57 am Monday, 23 June 2025.

Damaging wind gusts occurring over alpine areas today, becoming more widespread on Tuesday.

Weather Situation: A complex low pressure system in the Great Australian Bight is extending a trough over central Victoria, producing a strengthening northwesterly flow ahead of it about alpine areas in the northeast. A second cold front will then approach western Victoria on Tuesday and the pressure gradient will continue to strengthen, leading to vigorous northwesterly flow with damaging wind gusts becoming more widespread over western, central, and northeastern parts of the state.

For NORTHEASTERN RANGES: Strong northwesterly winds averaging 50 to 60 km/h with DAMAGING WIND GUSTS of around 100 km/h are occurring over alpine areas above 1400 metres this morning, remaining possible for the rest of today. From Tuesday afternoon ahead of the next cold front DAMAGING WIND GUSTS are likely to become more widespread. Higher terrain above 1400 metres may then experience DAMAGING WINDS averaging 60 to 70 km/h with peak gusts of around 110 km/h, and BLIZZARD conditions are forecast to develop here from Tuesday evening.

For WESTERN VICTORIA, CENTRAL VICTORIA AND GIPPSLAND: Strong winds averaging 50 to 60 km/h with DAMAGING WIND GUSTS of around 90 km/h are possible in showers and thunderstorms from midday Tuesday in the Wimmera and South West districts, extending to central districts during the afternoon, and west Gippsland by the evening.

Locations which may be affected include Warrnambool, Ballarat, Geelong, Stawell, Hamilton, Portland, Wonthaggi, Bacchus Marsh, Daylesford, Falls Creek, Edenhope and Colac.

Sustained 69 km/h winds were recorded at Mount Hotham around 7:30 am, with a 104 km/h wind gust at 6:23 am.

107 km/h wind gust was recorded at Mount William at 2:13 am.

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.