Source: Bureau of Meteorology

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

Issued at 4:20 pm Friday, 8 September 2023.

Damaging wind gusts possible, easing from the west during the evening.

Weather Situation: A low pressure system continues to move eastwards through Bass Strait this afternoon. Fresh to strong northwesterly winds are in place over eastern parts of the state, shifting to strong and gusty west to southwesterly winds into the evening.

Northwesterly winds averaging 50 to 60 km/h with DAMAGING WIND GUSTS of around 90 km/h are possible over the eastern ranges, including areas of higher terrain in Gippsland.

West to southwesterly DAMAGING WINDS averaging 60 to 70 km/h with peak gusts around 90km/h are occurring over the central coasts and Gippsland coast.

West to southwesterly winds averaging 50 to 60 km/h with DAMAGING WIND GUSTS of around 90 km/h are possible over remaining southern parts of the state inland from the coast.

Conditions are expected to broadly ease during Friday evening.

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

Locations which may be affected include Geelong, Morwell, Traralgon, Sale, Moe and Bairnsdale.

Severe weather is no longer occurring in the Wimmera district and the warning for this district is CANCELLED.

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.

74km/h sustained winds and 102 km/h wind gust was recorded at Avalon Airport about 10:35 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.