Source: Bureau of Meteorology

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

Issued at 4:30 pm Thursday, 8 January 2026.

Damaging wind gusts developing across large parts of Victoria on Friday.

Weather Situation: Gusty northwesterly winds are expected to develop from Friday morning, mainly about the ranges, while a cool change moving through the state will produce broadscale thunderstorm activity increasing the risk for damaging wind gusts across the state during the afternoon and early evening. Conditions will ease for most of Victoria during Friday evening, but the risk of damaging wind gusts is likely to persist over the alpine peaks until Saturday morning.

DAMAGING WIND GUSTS with peak gusts around 90 km/h are likely to develop after sunrise on Friday morning about the western, central and eastern ranges, then extend throughout the warning area, including MELBOURNE, from around midday and remain a risk into early Friday evening. DAMAGING WIND GUSTS could reach up to 110 km/h with thunderstorms and over elevated terrain.

Winds will ease below warning thresholds for most areas during the evening, but will likely persist over the alpine peaks until Saturday morning.

Locations which may be affected include Melbourne, Geelong, Ballarat, Bendigo, Horsham, Seymour, Maryborough, Traralgon and Bairnsdale.

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.