Source: Bureau of Meteorology

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

Issued at 10:21 am Wednesday, 6 October 2021.

Strengthening northwestlerly winds over elevated areas.

Weather Situation: A cold front to the west will enter western Victoria tonight before crossing central and eastern districts early on Thursday.

DAMAGING NORTHWESTERLY WINDS, averaging 50 to 60 km/h with peak gusts of around 100 km/h are forecast to develop across elevated (above 1000 metres) parts of eastern Victoria around midnight tonight.

Winds are expected to ease from the west below warning threshold by dawn on Thursday following the passage of a cold front.

Locations which may be affected include Mt Baw Baw, Falls Creek, Mt Hotham, Mt Buller and Omeo.

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.