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 10:56 am Tuesday, 24 June 2025.

Damaging wind gusts becoming more widespread today.

Weather Situation: A complex low pressure system in the Bight will extend a cold front over Victoria this afternoon. Vigorous northwesterly winds are developing ahead of this front, with alpine areas affected this morning followed by western and central parts of the state this afternoon and evening.

For NORTHEASTERN RANGES and EAST GIPPSLAND: DAMAGING NORTHWESTERLY WINDS averaging 65 to 75 km/h with peak gusts of around 120 km/h are occurring and remain possible today over alpine areas above 1400 metres, with BLIZZARD conditions forecast to develop from this evening. DAMAGING WIND GUSTS are likely to become more widespread from this afternoon, including areas below 1400 metres.

Damaging winds are then forecast to ease below warning thresholds during Wednesday morning.

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

Damaging winds are then forecast to ease below warning thresholds in the west from early this evening, and over central areas and west Gippsland later tonight.

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, Melbourne, Stawell, Hamilton, Portland and Wonthaggi.

Sustained 74 km/h winds were recorded at Mount Hotham around 9:00 am with a 120 km/h wind gust at 9:05 am.

92 km/h wind gust was recorded at Mount Hotham Airport at 8:41 am.

Sustained 70 km/h winds were recorded at Mount Buller around 8:30 am with a 113 km/h wind gust at 8:36 am.

Sustained 65 km/h winds were recorded at Falls Creek Airport around 12:50 am with a 101 km/h wind gust at 12:38 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.