Source: Bureau of Meteorology

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

Issued at 10:19 am Monday, 21 July 2025.

Damaging winds developing late Monday evening with blizzard conditions for alpine areas from late Tuesday morning.

Weather Situation: A strong northerly flow ahead of an approaching cold front is expected to produce damaging winds throughout the Great Dividing Range from late Monday evening, as well as the for northern suburbs of Melbourne, Otways and Surf Coast from early Tuesday morning. The front will quickly move into eastern parts of the state by early Tuesday afternoon, with winds easing below warning thresholds in western and central districts in its wake. Winds will then ease in eastern districts during the evening.

For the GREAT DIVIDING RANGE: DAMAGING NORTHERLY WINDS averaging 50 to 65 km/h with gusts around 100 km/h are possible from late Monday evening. Winds will ease around the Grampians shortly after sunrise on Tuesday, before easing in the central ranges during the early afternoon, and finally the eastern ranges during the evening.

For the northern suburbs of MELBOURNE: DAMAGING WIND GUSTS around 90km/h are possible from Tuesday morning before easing during the afternoon.

For the OTWAYS and SURF COAST: DAMAGING WIND GUSTS around 90km/h are possible Tuesday morning before easing during the early afternoon.

BLIZZARD conditions are forecast for areas above 1600 metres from late Tuesday morning.

Locations which may be affected include Bacchus Marsh, Falls Creek, Yarra Glen, Dargo, Mt Baw Baw and Mt 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.