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 4:36 pm Thursday, 24 July 2025.

Damaging winds developing late Friday afternoon over the ranges with blizzard conditions for the alpine areas.

Weather Situation: A strong northerly flow ahead of an approaching cold front is expected to produce damaging winds over parts of the Great Dividing Range and southern slopes from late Friday afternoon and into early Saturday morning. The front will move into the central and eastern parts of the state during early Saturday morning before clearing to the east by the middle of the day.

For the GRAMPIANS and CENTRAL RANGES, including the outer NORTHERN and EASTERN SUBURBS of MELBOURNE: DAMAGING NORTHERLY WINDS averaging 55 to 65 km/h, with peak gusts up to 100 km/h are possible from late Friday afternoon and becoming likely throughout the evening and early Saturday morning.

For the EASTERN RANGES: DAMAGING NORTHERLY WINDS averaging 60 to 70 km/h with peak gusts of around 110 km/h are possible from late Friday evening, and continuing throughout Saturday morning. Blizzard conditions are also possible for areas above 1200 metres.

Conditions are expected to ease from the west, over the Grampians before sunrise on Saturday and ease over the Central and Eastern Ranges by mid-morning on Saturday.

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

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.