Source: Bureau of Meteorology

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

Issued at 8:52 am Friday, 8 September 2023.

Damaging wind gusts possible, easing from the west later in the day.

Weather Situation: A low pressure system just to the south of Cape Otway continues to move eastwards through Bass Strait today. Fresh to strong north to northwesterly winds are in place over eastern and central parts of the state this morning, shifting to a strong and gusty west to southwesterly over southwestern parts of the state, which will extend eastwards during the day.

North to northwesterly winds averaging 50 to 60 km/h with DAMAGING WIND GUSTS of around 100 km/h are possible over the central and eastern ranges, including areas of higher terrain in Gippsland this morning.

Southwesterly DAMAGING WINDS averaging 60 to 70 km/h with peak gusts of up to 110km/h are occurring over the southwest coast and are likely to extend eastwards along the central coast by the middle of the day and reach west Gippsland coast later in the afternoon.

West to southwesterly winds averaging 50 to 60 km/h with DAMAGING WIND GUSTS of around 90 to 100 km/h are possible over remaining parts of the state inland from the coast, which includes the greater Melbourne area, before reaching West and South Gippsland in the afternoon. There is a risk that parts of the southwest between Colac, Geelong and Bacchus Marsh and also the Mornington Peninsula may see gusts reach up to 110km/h for a period this morning until until mid afternoon.

Conditions are expected to ease over western parts of the state late this afternoon, over central parts including Melbourne during early evening and contract to only eastern parts of the State by late Friday evening, before easing early Saturday morning.

A separate Severe Weather Warning is current for Damaging Surf, refer to www.bom.gov.au/warnings

Locations which may be affected include Warrnambool, Ballarat, Geelong, Melbourne, Traralgon and Bairnsdale.

111 km/h wind gust was recorded at Mt Nowa Nowa at 08:34 AM.

111 km/h wind gust was recorded at Mt Gellibrand at 08:29 AM.

109 km/h wind gust was recorded at Port Fairy at 07:05 AM.

106 km/h wind gust was recorded at Warnambool at 07:40 AM.

93 km/h wind gust was recorded at Portland at 4:36 AM.

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.