Source: Bureau of Meteorology

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

Issued at 11:03 am Thursday, 3 August 2023.

Damaging wind gusts possible over the central and northeast ranges on Thursday. Winds will redevelop over western parts early on Friday.

Weather Situation: Strengthening northerly winds are occurring ahead of an approaching cold front.

Strong winds averaging 50 to 60 km/h with DAMAGING WIND GUSTS of around 90 km/h are possible over the central and northeast ranges during Thursday.

Winds have currently eased over the Otways and Surf Coast this morning.

As the cold front moves into western Victoria early on Friday morning, strong winds averaging 50 to 60 km/h with DAMAGING WIND GUSTS of around 90 km/h will redevelop over parts of western Victoria, including the Grampians, the Otways and Surf Coast and also the Mornington Peninsula.

Winds are forecast to initially ease from the west, over the Grampians, the Otways and the Surf coast, and the Mornington Peninsula by early Friday afternoon. Winds will then ease over the central ranges in the early evening, and finally in the eastern ranges later on Friday evening or early Saturday morning as the cold front moves into the eastern half of the State.

Locations which may be affected include Ararat, Ballarat, Bacchus Marsh, Mt Baw Baw, Mt Hotham and Omeo.

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.