Source: Bureau of Meteorology

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

Issued at 6:01 pm Sunday, 26 July 2020.

COASTAL LOW BRINGS HEAVY RAINFALL AND DAMAGING ALPINE WINDS

Weather Situation: A low pressure system will move southwards along the New South Wales coast, bringing the potential for heavy rainfall and possible flooding in East Gippsland during Monday. Damaging winds expected over alpine peaks on Monday night.

DAMAGING WINDS, averaging 50 to 70 km/h with peak gusts of around 110 km/h are expected to develop late Monday over alpine areas.

Winds will strengthen on Monday evening, with the strongest gusts expected between midnight Monday and 0400 AEST Tuesday. The risk is expected to ease around dawn on Tuesday. Peak gusts are expected on exposed alpine peaks, generally limited to areas above 1300m elevation.

Locations which may be affected include Falls Creek and Mt Hotham.

HEAVY RAINFALL is likely to develop throughout East Gippsland during Monday, with widespread totals of 60-80mm expected during Monday. Isolated heavier falls of up to 110mm are also expected in the warning area which may lead to FLASH FLOODING. There is also a risk of landslides and debris flow.

Rainfall is likely to continue during Tuesday, with a further 30-50mm of rain possible, falling mainly during the morning. The threat of heavy rain eases on Tuesday afternoon as the low pressure system moves further into the Tasman Sea.

A flood watch is current for catchments in East Gippsland.

Locations which may be affected include Dargo, Buchan, Mallacoota, Combienbar, Gelantipy and Bonang.

The State Emergency Service advises that people should:
* Be aware that trees that have been damaged by heat or fire may be unstable and more likely to fall when it is windy or wet.
* Be aware that in fire affected areas, rainfall run-off into waterways may contain debris such as ash, soil, trees and rocks.
* Be alert that in areas recently affected by fires, heavy rainfall increases the potential for landslides and debris across roads.
* Check that loose items such as outdoor settings, umbrellas and trampolines are safely secured and 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.
* 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.
* Stay away from fallen powerlines always assume they are live.
* Stay informed monitor weather warnings, forecasts and river levels at the Bureau of Meteorology website, and warnings through VicEmergency.