Source: Bureau of Meteorology
Refer to VicEmergency for AWS alerts

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

Issued at 9:36 am Friday, 4 September 2026.

Damaging winds to develop in alpine areas from late tonight, extending to central and southwest parts on Saturday morning.

Weather Situation: A strong cold front will approach Victoria early on Saturday and continue to move east across the state during the day. Ahead of this system northwesterly winds will increase over northeastern ranges this evening and into central and western areas during Saturday morning. Winds will then turn more westerly during Saturday afternoon with the passage of the front.

For the NORTHEAST RANGES and ALPINE AREAS: DAMAGING NORTHWESTERLY WINDS averaging 65 to 75 km/h with peak gusts up to 110 km/h are likely from late this evening.

For parts of the MACEDON and CENTRAL RANGES: DAMAGING NORTHWESTERLY WINDS averaging 60 to 70 km/h with peak gusts of around 90 km/h are possible from early Saturday morning.

For parts of the SOUTHWEST: DAMAGING WIND GUSTS with peak gusts in excess of 90 km/h are possible from Saturday morning, most likely in showers and thunderstorms.

DAMAGING WINDS are expected to ease from the Macedon and Central ranges late Saturday morning, from the southwest early Saturday afternoon, and from remaining areas during Saturday evening.

Locations which may be affected include Warrnambool, Stawell, Hamilton, Portland, Falls Creek and Edenhope.

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.