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 10:59 am Tuesday, 26 August 2025.

Damaging winds likely over elevated areas during Tuesday and Wednesday.

Weather Situation: A strong northwesterly flow ahead of an approaching cold front is expected to produce damaging winds over elevated areas of the state from Tuesday morning. The front will quickly move into eastern parts of the state by Tuesday evening, with winds easing below warning thresholds in its wake. A second pulse of strong westerly winds will move across the state from Wednesday morning, with conditions easing by Thursday morning.

For CENTRAL RANGES:

Northwesterly winds averaging 50 to 60 km/h with DAMAGING WIND GUSTS around 100 km/h are likely during Tuesday. Winds are forecast to ease below warning thresholds by late Tuesday afternoon.

For EASTERN RANGES above 1200m:

DAMAGING NORTHWESTERLY WINDS averaging 55 to 65 km/h with peak gusts around 110 km/h are likely from late Tuesday morning. Winds are forecast to temporarily ease during early Wednesday morning before increasing again as they shift westerly during late Wednesday morning. Winds are forecast to ease below warning thresholds by early Thursday.

For the GRAMPIANS:

Northwesterly winds are forecast to ease below warning thresholds during late Tuesday morning. Westerly winds averaging 50 to 60 km/h with DAMAGING WIND GUSTS around 90 km/h are likely from Wednesday morning. Winds are forecast to ease below warning thresholds by Wednesday evening.

Locations which may be affected include Bacchus Marsh, Falls Creek, Dargo, Mt Baw Baw, Mt Hotham and Mt Buller.

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.