Source: Bureau of Meteorology

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

Issued at 4:38 am Friday, 29 October 2021.

Damaging winds developing across Victoria Friday morning.

Weather Situation: An intense low pressure system crossing southern Victoria this morning brings a vigorous northwesterly flow ahead of it, followed by a strong southwesterly change.

DAMAGING NORTHWESTERLY WINDS averaging 60 to 70 km/h with peak gusts of 90 to 100 km/h are expected across southern and alpine Victoria this morning.

DAMAGING SOUTHWESTERLY WINDS averaging 60 to 70 km/h with peak gusts of around 100 km/h are expected to develop along western and central Victorian coasts during the morning, with DAMAGING WINDS likely to reach Greater Melbourne after sunrise, then extend to Gippsland coasts in the middle of the day. DAMAGING WIND GUSTS may possibly reach up to 110km/h about the Bass Coast and Mornington Peninsula during Friday morning.

North to northwesterly winds over the eastern ranges Friday morning may produce wind gusts of 100 to 120 km/h about the higher peaks.

Winds are expected to ease over western districts by mid Friday morning, easing over central coast in the early afternoon, then clearing Gippsland coasts during Friday evening.

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

Severe weather is no longer occurring in the Mallee and Northern Country districts and the warning for these districts is CANCELLED.

Highest wind gusts observed since midnight:

143km/h at Mt William at 3:41am

117km/h at Ben Nevis at 4:22am

109km/h at Mt Buller at 2:27am

104km/h at Mt Hotham Airport at 3:09am

100km/h at Westmere at 3:55am

100km/h at Port Fairy at 2:11am

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.