Source: Bureau of Meteorology
Refer to VicEmergency for AWS alerts

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

Issued at 2:20 pm Thursday, 2 July 2026.

Damaging winds about the northeast persisting into Friday morning, blizzards possible overnight.

Weather Situation: Vigorous northwesterly flow is expected to continue over eastern Victoria ahead of a cold front crossing the state during Friday morning. Winds are forecast to ease tomorrow with the passage of the front.

For the NORTHEAST: DAMAGING WINDS averaging 60 to 70 km/h with peak gusts of around 110 km/h are expected to continue during Thursday, contracting to areas above 1200 metres from this evening. Blizzard conditions are forecast from the evening.

Winds and blizzard conditions are expected to ease during Friday morning.

Flood watches and warnings are current for the state. Refer to https://www.bom.gov.au/weather-and-climate/warnings-and-alerts.

Locations which may be affected include Falls Creek, Dargo, Mt Baw Baw, Mt Hotham, Mt Buller and Omeo.

102 km/h wind gust was observed at Gelantipy at 1:43 pm.

Winds averaging 81 km/h with a gust of 107 km/h were observed at Falls Creek at 12:06 am.

Winds averaging 85 km/h with a gust of 117 km/h were observed at Mt Hotham at 11:47 pm Wednesday.

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.