Source: Bureau of Meteorology

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

Issued at 10:43 am Tuesday, 27 July 2021.

DAMAGING NORTHERLY WINDS, LOCALLY DESTRUCTIVE OVER THE NORTH EASTERN RANGES

Weather Situation: A northerly airstream over Victoria will strengthen during Tuesday afternoon and evening as a strong cold front approaches the State from the west, crossing Victoria during Wednesday.

DAMAGING NORTHERLY WINDS, averaging 60 to 70 km/h with peak gusts of 90 to 100 km/h about the north east ranges will extend across western and central ranges during Tuesday afternoon, as well as the Otways, the Dandenong Ranges and the Mornington Peninsula.

DAMAGING WINDS averaging 50 to 60 km/h with peak gusts of up to 90 km/h are then expected to extend over the the remainder of the warning area in the west during Tuesday evening.

DESTRUCTIVE WIND GUSTS are possible across the eastern ranges about 1500m, averaging 70 to 80 km/h with peak gusts to 125km/h, during Tuesday evening and Wednesday morning. Blizzard conditions are possible about the Alpine peaks during Tuesday evening and Wednesday morning.

Damaging winds will tend westerly and continue about western, southern and northeastern Victoria during Wednesday morning and afternoon, easing below warning thresholds by early evening.

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

98 km/h at Mt Buller at 04:32am

91 km/h at Mt Hotham at 04:26am

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.