Source: Bureau of Meteorology

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

Issued at 4:46 pm Friday, 23 July 2021.

STRENGTHENING NORTHWESTERLY WINDS ON SATURDAY

Weather Situation: A vigorous northwesterly flow will develop across Victoria on Saturday with a strong cold front entering the west of the State later in the day.

DAMAGING NORTHWESTERLY WINDS, averaging 50 to 60 km/h with peak gusts of around 90 km/h are forecast to develop across the warning area from the west during Saturday morning.

DAMAGING NORTHWESTERLY WINDS with gusts to 90 km/h are possible across parts of northwestern Victoria during the afternoon - these are most likely with showers and thunderstorms.

Wind gusts may reach 100 km/h across elevated parts of eastern Victoria (above 1200 metres) and across the peaks of the Grampians.

Wind gusts may also reach up to 110 km/h across the far southwest coast very late on Saturday.

Locations which may be affected include Horsham, Warrnambool, Portland, Kyneton, Ballarat and Bacchus Marsh.

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.