Source: Bureau of Meteorology

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

Issued at 8:46 am Tuesday, 20 July 2021.

STRONG AND GUSTY COLD CHANGE TO VICTORIA TODAY

Weather Situation:
A strong cold front is forecast to cross Victoria today.

DAMAGING SOUTHWESTERLY WINDS, averaging 55 to 65 km/h with peak gusts of 90 km/h to 100km/h, are possible about the warning area with and following the passage of the cold front.

DAMAGING WINDS are expected the develop about the western parts of the warning area and the Alpine region mid to late this morning, then extend to central parts of the warning area, including Melbourne, during the afternoon and the east Gippsland coast in the evening. Winds will ease from the west during Tuesday evening.

Locations which may be affected include Warrnambool, Portland, the Grampians, Kyneton, the Surf Coast, Melbourne, Wonthaggi, Mt Baw Baw 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.