Source: Bureau of Meteorology

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

Issued at 4:13 pm Sunday, 3 October 2021.

Damaging winds over parts of Victoria from Monday afternoon.

Weather Situation: Strong and gusty northwesterly airstream developing ahead of a vigorous cold front. The cold front will pass over the southwest later Monday, then central parts early Tuesday morning, and persisting about the southeast Tuesday afternoon.

DAMAGING WINDS, averaging 40 to 50 km/h, with peak wind gusts of around 90 km/h, are expected to develop about the west during Monday afternoon and evening, before extending to central and eastern parts overnight into Tuesday morning.

There is also a risk that showers and isolated thunderstorms over the Mallee and Wimmera districts Monday afternoon may produce damaging wind gusts of around 90 km/h.

Damaging winds are expected to contract from the west Tuesday morning, clearing from central parts by the middle of the day before clearing from the east later Tuesday.

Locations which may be affected include The Grampians, Horsham, Portland, Warrnambool, Traralgon, Bairnsdale, Orbost and the higher peaks of the northeast ranges.

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.