Source: Bureau of Meteorology

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

Issued at 10:45 am Thursday, 9 October 2025.

Damaging winds expected over southern and elevated areas of Victoria during Friday.

Weather Situation: Vigorous northwesterly winds are expected over Victoria during Friday as a cold front moves eastwards across the State.

For near the WEST COAST and OTWAY RANGES, and over SOUTH GIPPSLAND and ELEVATED PARTS OF VICTORIA: DAMAGING WINDS averaging 60 to 70 km/h with peak gusts of 90 to 100 km/h are expected to develop during the early to mid morning on Friday, potentially averaging 70 to 80 km/h with peak gusts of 100 to 110 km/h over ALPINE AREAS during the day. Winds are expected to ease in these areas during Friday evening.

For the REMAINDER OF SOUTHERN VICTORIA WITHIN THE WARNING AREA: Strong winds averaging 50 to 60 km/h with DAMAGING WIND GUSTS of 90 to 100 km/h are expected to develop later Friday morning, then ease by early Friday evening.

Locations which may be affected include Warrnambool, Ballarat, Geelong, Traralgon, Hamilton and Portland.

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.