Source: Bureau of Meteorology

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

Issued at 4:54 pm Monday, 23 June 2025.

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

Weather Situation: A complex low pressure system in the Bight extends a trough over central Victoria today, with strengthening northwesterly flow ahead of it about alpine areas. A second cold front will then cross the state on Tuesday and the pressure gradient will continue to strengthen, leading to more widespread vigorous northwesterly flow over western, central, and northeastern areas.

For NORTHEASTERN RANGES: DAMAGING NORTHWESTERLY WINDS averaging 65 to 75 km/h with peak gusts of around 100 km/h are occurring over alpine areas above 1400 metres this afternoon, 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 peak gusts of around 110 km/h, with BLIZZARD conditions forecast to develop from Tuesday evening.

For the GRAMPIANS: DAMAGING WIND GUSTS with peak gusts of around 100 km/h are possible for the remainder of today over exposed elevated areas, before easing temporarily on Tuesday morning. Winds are forecast to strengthen again during Tuesday afternoon ahead of the next cold front.

For the WIMMERA, SOUTH WEST, CENTRAL and GIPPSLAND: Strong northwesterly winds averaging 50 to 60 km/h with DAMAGING WIND GUSTS of around 90 km/h are possible from midday Tuesday for coastal and elevated parts of the Wimmera and South West districts, extending to the Central district during the afternoon, and western Gippsland by the evening. DAMAGING WIND GUSTS are also possible in showers and thunderstorms for inland and lower-lying parts of the warning area on Tuesday afternoon.

A separate warning for ABNORMALLY HIGH TIDES is current for the entire Victorian coast. Please refer to http://www.bom.gov.au/warnings/

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

Sustained 72 km/h winds were recorded at Mount Hotham around 2:00 pm, with a 104 km/h wind gust at 1:20 pm.

Sustained 65 km/h winds were recorded at Mount Buller around 11:00 am, with a 96 km/h wind gust at 2:33 pm.

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.