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 10:58 am Friday, 19 September 2025.

Damaging northerly winds today ahead of a vigorous cold front crossing the state this evening.

Weather Situation: Strong north to northwesterly winds have developed today ahead of an approaching cold front. The cold front will cross Victoria during Friday evening, reaching the southwest coast by the early evening and the Melbourne area into the late evening. It is expected to push into the Tasman Sea early Saturday morning, with winds shifting westerly and gradually easing in its wake.

For the NORTHERN MELBOURNE SUBURBS, CENTRAL TO EASTERN RANGES and MORNINGTON PENINSULA: DAMAGING NORTH TO NORTHWESTERLY WINDS averaging 55 to 65 km/h with peak gusts of around 90 km/h are possible, reaching up to 100 km/h for areas above 1200 metres. Winds are expected to temporarily ease about central districts in the afternoon.

For the SOUTHEAST MELBOURNE SUBURBS, SOUTHWEST COAST, GRAMPIANS, and BASS COAST: WEST TO SOUTHWESTERLY DAMAGING WINDS averaging 55 to 65 km/h with peak gusts of around 90 km/h are possible during Friday evening with the frontal passage, expected to reach the Melbourne area in the late evening. DAMAGING WIND GUSTS may persist behind the front about the southwest coast into early Saturday.

Winds throughout the state will ease below thresholds by early Saturday morning.

Locations which may be affected include Wonthaggi, Bacchus Marsh, Frankston, Dargo, Mt Baw Baw, Rosebud, Omeo, Tidal River and parts of the Melbourne Metropolitan area.

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.