Source: Bureau of Meteorology
Refer to VicEmergency for AWS alerts

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

Issued at 10:48 am Saturday, 5 September 2026.

Damaging winds continue over alpine areas, extending to southwestern parts this morning.

A strong cold front in western Victoria and will move east across the state during the day. Ahead of this system northwesterly winds are increasing over the northeastern ranges. Winds will turn more westerly in the wake of the front with some showers and thunderstorms in the west.

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 this morning and continue through the day, easing during this evening.

For parts of the SOUTHWEST: DAMAGING WIND GUSTS with peak gusts in excess of 90 km/h may develop, most likely in showers and thunderstorms, before conditions ease into this afternoon.

Winds are forecast to ease this evening.

Locations which may be affected include Horsham, Warrnambool, Ballarat and Stawell.

Mount Gellibrand recorded a wind gust of 95 km/h at 10:23 am.

Aireys Inlet recorded a wind gust of 91 km/h at 10:16 am.

Falls Creek recorded a wind gust of 102 km/h at 09:27 am.

Mount William recorded a wind gust of 102 km/h at 08:29 am.

Mount Hotham recorded a wind gust of 106 km/h at 07:08 am.

Mount Buller recorded a wind gust of 107 km/h at 06:54 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.