Australian Government Bureau of Meteorology

TOP PRIORITY FOR IMMEDIATE BROADCAST



Severe Weather Warning

for Damaging Winds



for parts of Central, South West, North Central, North East and West and South Gippsland Forecast Districts.



Issued at 4:06 am Saturday, 19 September 2020.



Damaging wind gusts developing about elevated areas Saturday afternoon and evening



Weather Situation

A low pressure trough moving over South Australia will move eastward into northwestern Victoria Saturday afternoon, before clearing eastward during Sunday.

DAMAGING WINDS for the following areas:

Central, South West, North Central, North East and West and South Gippsland

DAMAGING WINDS, averaging 60 to 70 km/h with peak gusts of 90 to 100 km/h are possible about elevated areas (above 500 metres) during Saturday and Sunday. Winds are expected to develop about western parts during Saturday afternoon, extending to central parts in the evening and to the eastern ranges early Sunday morning.

Winds will ease from the west overnight, dropping below warning thresholds by early Sunday morning in the west, and later in the morning in the east.

Locations which may be affected include Ararat, Kyneton, Daylesford, Falls Creek, Mt Hotham and Mt Buller.



The State Emergency Service advises that people should:

* Be aware that trees that have been damaged by heat or fire may be unstable and more likely to fall when it is windy or wet.

* Check that loose items such as outdoor settings, umbrellas and trampolines are safely secured and 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.

* 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.

* Stay away from fallen powerlines always assume they are live.

* Stay informed monitor weather warnings, forecasts and river levels at the Bureau of Meteorology website, and warnings through VicEmergency.



The next Severe Weather Warning will be issued by 11:00 am AEST Saturday.

Warnings are also available through TV and Radio broadcasts, the Bureau's website at www.bom.gov.au or call 1300 659 210. The Bureau and State Emergency Service would appreciate warnings being broadcast regularly.

Warning ID: IDV21037