The Bureau of Meteorology is warning local residents of damaging wind gusts in the region on Friday 23 August..
A warm front will sweep across Victoria today, strengthening the north to northwesterly winds across elevated areas and their immediate downwind slopes tonight. These winds will ease throughout Saturday morning as an approaching surface trough clears to the east during Saturday.
Strong winds averaging 50 to 60 km/h with damaging wind gusts of around 90 km/h are likely to develop from late Friday night into the early morning of Saturday, possibly reaching up to 110 km/h over the northeast ranges and associated lee slopes.
Winds are expected to ease about the Otways and the Central District by mid Saturday morning, then ease about eastern districts by Saturday afternoon.
Locations which may be affected include Mt Dandenong, Apollo Bay, Yarra Glen, Bacchus Marsh, Dargo, Gelantipy, Mt Baw Baw, Falls Creek, Mt Hotham, Mt Buller and Omeo.
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.
