Source: Bureau of Meteorology

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

Issued at 10:28 am Wednesday, 1 September 2021.

STRONG AND GUSTY NORTHERLY WINDS ON THURSDAY

Weather Situation: Northerly winds will strengthen on Thursday as a cold front approaches from the west. The front will gradually cross Victoria during Friday and Saturday.

DAMAGING NORTHERLY WINDS, averaging 50 to 60 km/h with peak gusts of around 90 km/h, are expected to develop about parts of the western and central ranges within the warning area early Thursday morning, extending to remaining parts of the warning area from late Thursday morning.

Elevated peaks and southern aspects are most likely to be affected, and gusts about these areas are expected to reach up to 100 km/h.

While the warning area covers the risk on THURSDAY, damaging winds are expected to extend across a broader area of central Victoria and the eastern ranges on FRIDAY before contracting to the eastern ranges during the afternoon.

Locations which may be affected include Hamilton, Warrnambool, Portland, Ballarat, the Otways, Bacchus Marsh, the Dandenong and Yarra Ranges, Mt Buller, Mt Baw Baw, Mt Hotham 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.