Source: Bureau of Meteorology

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

Issued at 10:46 pm Friday, 25 July 2025.

DAMAGING WINDS EXPECTED TONIGHT AND TOMORROW WITH LOCALLY DESTRUCTIVE WIND GUSTS AND BLIZZARD CONDITIONS FOR ALPINE AREAS.

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

For the CENTRAL RANGES, PYRENEES and northern suburbs of MELBOURNE: DAMAGING NORTHERLY WINDS averaging 55 to 65 km/h with peak gusts of around 110 km/h are possible for the remainder of today and into early Saturday morning.

For the EASTERN RANGES above 1400m: DAMAGING, LOCALLY DESTRUCTIVE WINDS averaging 70 to 90 km/h with peak gusts up to around 140 km/h are likely this evening, easing to DAMAGING WINDS averaging 60 to 70 km/h with gusts of around 100 km/h on Saturday morning. Blizzard conditions are also possible for alpine areas from late this evening.

Winds are expected to ease below warning thresholds in central areas by around sunrise, and over the Eastern Ranges by Saturday afternoon.

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

Significant wind gust observations to 10:45 pm:

146 KM/H AT MOUNT HOTHAM AT 10:02 PM.

131 KM/H AT MOUNT BULLER AT 9:30 PM.

91 km/h at Melbourne Airport at 10:36 pm

120 km/h at Kilmore Gap at 10:12 pm

107 km/h at Ben Nevis at 4:17 pm.

107 km/h wind at Mount William at 5:54 pm.

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.