Source: Bureau of Meteorology

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

Issued at 10:57 am Tuesday, 31 May 2022.

DAMAGING WINDS DEVELOPING

Weather Situation: A vigorous southwesterly airstream will strengthen overnight as a series of embedded cold fronts cross Bass Strait

Strong winds averaging 40-60 km/h are likely to develop over the warning area late TUESDAY evening, and continue during WEDNESDAY morning.

DAMAGING WIND GUSTS in excess of 90 km/h are possible, and most likely about coastal and elevated parts of the warning area, including metropolitan Melbourne. The strongest gusts are likely to occur during WEDNESDAY morning, and ease below warning thresholds around midday Wednesday.

Exposed coastal locations, as well as the Latrobe Valley, may experience average wind speeds in excess of 70km/h.

Coincident strong winds and snow falls means that blizzard conditions are possible about alpine areas. Gusts to 100km/h are possible about alpine peaks.

Additionally, there is a slight chance of isolated damaging wind gusts outside of the warning area during Tuesday afternoon, mainly associated with showers and thunderstorms.

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

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.