Source: Bureau of Meteorology

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

Issued at 8:20 pm Thursday, 30 May 2024.

Damaging wind gusts, locally destructive over alpine peaks, and heavy rainfall expected across elevated parts of the state overnight and Friday.

Weather Situation: A vigorous cold front continues to progress eastwards through the state, clearing from the west today and exiting the state on Friday morning. Northwesterly winds will strengthen across elevated areas and their immediate lee slopes during this evening and on Friday morning. Heavy rainfall is expected to develop over the ranges in northeastern Victoria from late this evening into early Friday morning.

For the OTWAY RANGES: Strong winds averaging 50 to 60 km/h with DAMAGING WIND GUSTS of around 90 km/h are expected over the Otway Ranges this evening and tonight, easing Friday morning.

For the CENTRAL AND NORTHEAST RANGES: DAMAGING WINDS averaging 60 to 70 km/h with peak gusts of around 90 km/h are occurring. Winds will ease this evening over the Central Ranges and will contract to the Northeast Ranges later in the evening.

DESTRUCTIVE WIND GUSTS eceeding 125 km/h are possible for elevated peaks over 1200 m overnight.

For NORTHEAST RANGES: HEAVY RAINFALL which may lead to FLASH FLOODING is forecast to develop during late this evening into early Friday morning. Six-hourly rainfall totals between 40 and 60 mm are likely, with localised falls up to 80 mm.

Heavy rainfall is expected to ease by late Friday morning, and the damaging winds by Friday afternoon.

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

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

135 km/h wind gusts was recorded at Mount Hotham at 8 pm.

130 km/h wind gust was recorded at Mount Buller at 7:50 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.