The Bureau of Meteorology (BOM) issued a weather warning on Thursday 6 July at 4.36pm for severe damaging winds to develop later on Friday 7 July and early Saturday 8 July, with damaging winds expected to extend to Melbourne on Saturday 8 July.
The alert was issued for people in Central, South West and parts of East Gippsland, North Central, North East, West and South Gippsland and Wimmera Forecast Districts.
Damaging winds, averaging 55 to 65 km/h with peak gusts of 90 to 100 km/h are likely to develop over far southwest Victoria, the Central Ranges, Grampians and Alpine peaks during Friday evening.
Damaging winds are then expected to extend to the remainder of the warning area including Melbourne during Saturday morning.
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.
