IDV21037
Australian Government Bureau of Meteorology

TOP PRIORITY FOR IMMEDIATE BROADCAST

Severe Weather Warning

for DAMAGING WINDS

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

Issued at 10:57 am Sunday, 5 April 2020.

Strong winds continue for southern Victoria today.

Weather Situation: A vigorous westerly airstream persists over Victoria in the wake of a cold front. Another strong cold front embedded in this airstream will cross southern Victoria during Sunday

DAMAGING WINDS averaging 60 to 70 km/h, with peak gusts of around 100 km/h about coastal areas and 110 km/h about elevated areas, are expected through the warning area.

The risk of DAMAGING WINDS will gradually contract further east eastward through the afternoon, becoming restricted to elevated areas by later this afternoon then further easing into the evening.

Locations which may be affected include Warrnambool, Geelong, Melbourne, Wonthaggi, Bacchus Marsh, Moe, Mt Baw Baw, Mt Buller, Mt Hotham and Falls Creek.

Severe weather is no longer occurring in the South West district and the warning for this district is CANCELLED.

The strongest wind gusts recorded so far today have been:

- 106 km/h at Wilsons Promontory at 9:05am

- 96 km/h at Mt Gellibrand at 8:07am

- 93 km/h at South Channel Island (Port Phillip Bay) at 8:38am

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 5:00 pm AEST Sunday.

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.