Source: Bureau of Meteorology

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

Issued at 11:04 am Sunday, 7 September 2025.

Damaging winds are expected over parts of Victoria today.

Weather Situation: A band of strong northerly winds ahead of a broad trough over the southern Bight will cross the state during today. The peak likelihood for damaging wind gusts in central Victoria is between midday and the early afternoon today.

For WESTERN and CENTRAL VICTORIA, including MELBOURNE and the OTWAYS,: Strong to DAMAGING NORTHERLY WINDS averaging 50 to 65 km/h with peak gusts exceeding 100 km/h remain probable until the early afternoon. Winds are expected to ease from west to east in these areas by the late afternoon.

For the EASTERN RANGES: DAMAGING NORTH TO NORTHWESTERLY WINDS averaging 65 to 75 km/h with gusts exceeding 110 km/h are likely to develop today and continue through the day before weakening below warning thresholds after midnight tonight.

Locations which may be affected include Ballarat, Geelong, Melbourne, Stawell, Wonthaggi and Bacchus Marsh.

A 117 km/h gust was recorded at Mt William at 08:36 am.

A 109 km/h gust was recorded at Mt Gellibrand at 08:22 am.

A 102 km/h gust was recorded at Sheoaks at 09:37 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.