A severe weather warning for damaging winds has been issued by the Bureau of Meteorology (BOM) on Wednesday 19 Jul at 4.53pm, expected to be hit in the Yarra Ranges and Yarra Valley.
Locations which may be affected include Yarra Glen, Apollo Bay, Bacchus Marsh, Rosebud, Dargo and Mt Baw Baw.
A cold front will approach western Victoria on Thursday morning and combine with a high pressure system to the northeast to produce an increased pressure gradient and strengthening northerly winds over the state.
North to northwesterly winds averaging 50 to 60 km/h with damaging wind gusts of around 90 km/h are likely to develop over the Otways, Mornington Peninsula and central ranges, including far northern suburbs of Melbourne early on Thursday morning.
Damaging wind gusts will then extend to parts of the eastern ranges after sunrise.
Winds will ease from the west as the front moves into the centre of the state during the day, easing over the Otways, central ranges and Mornington Peninsula by late Thursday afternoon and then over the eastern ranges during the evening.
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.
