Source: Bureau of Meteorology

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

Issued at 10:50 am Thursday, 5 June 2025.

Damaging winds developing through central and eastern parts of the state during Friday.

Weather Situation: Northwesterly winds will strengthen ahead of a cold front during Friday morning, bringing the risk of damaging winds to elevated terrain and their immediate lee slopes through central and eastern parts of the state as the cold front progresses eastwards. A second cold front which approaches the west of the state on Saturday afternoon may see damaging winds redevelop through western and central parts of the state.

For MORNINGTON PENINSULA: DAMAGING WINDS averaging 55 to 65 km/h are possible from late Friday morning. Winds are expected to ease below warning thresholds during Friday evening.

For CENTRAL RANGES and OTWAY RANGES: Strong winds averaging 50 to 60 km/h with DAMAGING WIND GUSTS of around 90 km/h are possible from Friday morning. Winds are expected to ease through central parts of the state during Friday evening.

For NORTHEAST RANGES: DAMAGING WINDS averaging 55 to 65 km/h with peak gusts of around 100km/h are possible from early Friday afternoon. Winds are expected to ease below warning thresholds during Saturday morning.

Locations which may be affected include Apollo Bay, Rosebud, Dargo, Mt Baw Baw, Falls Creek, 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.