Source: Bureau of Meteorology

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

Issued at 10:10 am Friday, 16 July 2021.

DAMAGING WINDS DEVELOPING

Weather Situation: A cold front associated with a low pressure system to the southwest of Victoria will approach the State's west late Friday, and cross during Saturday.

In Alpine areas, DAMAGING NORTHWESTERLY WINDS, averaging 50 to 70 km/h with peak gusts of 90 to 100 km/h are possible at elevations above 1000m during Friday and Saturday.

Blizzard conditions likely about Alpine peaks.

In Western Victoria, DAMAGING NORTHWESTERLY WINDS averaging 40-60km/h with peak gusts of up to 90km/h developing on Friday afternoon and continuing overnight into Saturday morning. Peak gusts will most likely be associated with showers and thunderstorms.

Winds are expected to shift West to Southwesterly and ease below warning thresholds in the Mallee, Wimmera and inland parts of the South West district during the early hours of Saturday morning, with the risk continuing along exposed parts of the SW coast and Alpine peaks into Saturday afternoon.

Locations which may be affected include Mildura, Swan Hill, Horsham, Warrnambool, Portland and Falls Creek.

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.