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 8:11 am Friday, 15 August 2025.

Damaging winds expected about the Surf Coast, Otways, Macedon Ranges and parts of the Eastern Ranges this morning.

Weather Situation: An approaching cold front is bringing a strengthening northwesterly flow over western parts of the state early this morning, extending into eastern parts later this morning. Winds will begin to ease and shift westerly following the passage of the front, initially in the west by later this morning and in the east late this afternoon.

For the OTWAYS, SURF COAST and MACEDON RANGES: Strong to DAMAGING NORTHWESTERLY WINDS averaging 55 to 65 km/h with peak gusts up to 100 km/h are possible early this morning.

For parts of the EASTERN RANGES: Strong to DAMAGING NORTHWESTERLY WINDS averaging 55 to 70 km/h with peak gusts of around 90 km/h are possible about elevated areas from mid morning. Winds will then ease below warning thresholds from late this afternoon.

Locations which may be affected include Mt Buller, Mt Baw Baw, Dargo, Apollo Bay, and Lorne.

Winds averaging 67 km/h observed at Mt Hotham at 7:58 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.