Source: Bureau of Meteorology

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

Issued at 11:43 am Thursday, 28 August 2025.

Damaging winds associated with an approaching front on Friday morning. Blizzards possible for alpine areas.

Weather Situation: A strong northwesterly airstream will develop across the state early on Friday morning ahead of an approaching frontal system in the west. This flow will initially affect the eastern ranges, before developing about the central ranges before sunrise. The front is expected to enter the west of the state after sunrise, with damaging winds possible in showers and isolated thunderstorms along and behind it.

For the EASTERN RANGES: DAMAGING northwesterly winds averaging 65 to 75 km/h with gusts around 110 km/h are likely to develop early on Friday morning.

For the MACEDON RANGES INCLUDING MELBOURNE'S OUTER NORTHERN SUBURBS: Strong to DAMAGING northwesterly winds averaging 50 to 65 km/h with peak gusts up to 100 km/h are likely to develop before sunrise in the Macedon Ranges and foothills on Friday morning before sunrise. Winds will extend down towards Melbourne's outer northern and northwestern suburbs, including Melbourne airport, from the late morning.

For WESTERN VICTORIA: DAMAGING wind gusts around 90 km/h are possible for a brief period in a line of showers and isolated thunderstorms as the front moves east across the warning area.

BLIZZARD conditions are forecast for parts of the Eastern Ranges above 1400m.

Damaging winds are expected to continue throughout Friday, with the warning area likely to expand as a vigorous southwesterly airstream approaches the state in the late afternoon.

Locations which may be affected include Melbourne Airport, Mildura, Horsham, Maryborough, Ballarat, Stawell, Hamilton, Bacchus Marsh, 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.