Source: Bureau of Meteorology

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

Issued at 10:32 pm Thursday, 28 August 2025.

Widespread damaging winds developing Friday, with 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. From the late afternoon a vigorous southwesterly airstream will follow the passage of the low, with the ranges and southern areas of the state at particular risk of widespread damaging winds. This flow will persist for 3 to 6 hours at any location before gradually easing.

For the EASTERN RANGES: DAMAGING NORTHWESTERLY WINDS averaging 65 to 75 km/h with peak gusts around 110 km/h are likely to develop early Friday morning, before tending SOUTHWESTERLY on Saturday morning and easing by the afternoon.

For the GRAMPIANS and CENTRAL RANGES including the FOOTHILLS: DAMAGING NORTHWESTERLY WINDS averaging 55 to 65 km/h with peak gusts around 100 km/h are likely to develop before sunrise, tending WESTERLY and continuing into Friday afternoon. Winds may ease for a period in the early evening, before DAMAGING SOUTHWESTERLY WINDS averaging 60 to 70 km/h with gusts around 110 km/h develop in the late evening. Winds will ease during Saturday morning.

For WESTERN VICTORIA: DAMAGING WIND GUSTS around 90 km/h are possible in showers and isolated thunderstorms on and behind the front, beginning in the west mid-morning on Friday before extending to northern districts in the afternoon, easing in the evening.

For SOUTHERN VICTORIA including MELBOURNE and GEELONG: DAMAGING SOUTHWESTERLY WINDS averaging 55 to 65 km/h with gusts around 100 km/h are expected to develop in the Southwest district from Friday afternoon, extending into the Central and North Central districts including MELBOURNE and GEELONG during the evening. Winds should peak over Melbourne in the early hours of Saturday morning. Winds averaging 70 to 80 km/h with gusts around 115 km/h are possible along exposed coastal towns, particularly west of Cape Otway and for the Mornington Peninsula and Bass Coast for a period. Winds are expected to begin easing from the west during Friday evening.

BLIZZARD conditions are forecast for parts of the Eastern Ranges above 1200m.

Locations which may be affected include Melbourne, Geelong, Mildura, Horsham, Warrnambool, Maryborough, Ballarat, Stawell, Hamilton, Portland, Wonthaggi, 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.