IDV21037
Australian Government Bureau of Meteorology

TOP PRIORITY FOR IMMEDIATE BROADCAST

Severe Weather Warning

for DAMAGING WINDS

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

Issued at 4:43 pm Wednesday, 22 January 2020.

Strong and gusty winds ahead of and with a strong cold front Wednesday. Further gusty winds developing in the south on Thursday.

Weather Situation: A strong cold front crossing the State will clear northeast Victoria Thursday morning. Strengthening north to northwesterly winds shifting squally west to southwesterly with the front.

DAMAGING WINDS, averaging 50 to 70 km/h with peak gusts of around 90 km/h, are forecast to continue over northwestern and central areas of the State Wednesday afternoon, more likely over elevated areas. DAMAGING winds will extend to eastern elevated areas later this afternoon and evening with winds increasing to average 60 to 80 km/h with peak gusts to 110 km/h over Alpine areas above 1500m Wednesday night.

Squalls to 90km/h are also possible with thunderstorms near and ahead of the cold front.

DAMAGING WINDS with squalls to 90 km/h are possible along the central and south Gippsland coastal fringe following the cold front on Wednesday afternoon and evening. Winds are expected to moderate within an hour or two following the front.

Further DAMAGING WINDS, averaging 50 to 70 km/h with peak gusts to 90 km/h are then possible over the South West from late Thursday morning, extending to the Central and West & South Gippsland districts during the afternoon.

Locations which may be affected include Mildura, Warrnambool, Seymour, Maryborough, Ballarat, Geelong and Melbourne.

Strongest wind gusts recorded so far today include;

- 98 km/h at Mt William

- 95 km/h at Warrnambool, Horsham and Mt Gellibrand

- 89 km/h at Aireys Inlet

- 87 km/h at Hamilton and Westmere

The State Emergency Service advises that people should:
* Be aware that trees that have been damaged by heat or fire may be unstable and more likely to fall when it is windy or wet.
* Check that loose items such as outdoor settings, umbrellas and trampolines are safely secured and 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.
* 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.
* Stay away from fallen powerlines always assume they are live.
* Stay informed monitor weather warnings, forecasts and river levels at the Bureau of Meteorology website, and warnings through VicEmergency.

The next Severe Weather Warning will be issued by 11:00 pm AEDT Wednesday.

Warnings are also available through TV and Radio broadcasts, the Bureau's website at www.bom.gov.au or call 1300 659 210. The Bureau and State Emergency Service would appreciate warnings being broadcast regularly.