Warnings

Severe Weather Warning (Damaging Winds) for Central, East Gippsland, North Central, North East, West & South Gippsland, South West & Wimmera Sat 24 May 2025

Australian Government Bureau of Meteorology
Victoria

TOP PRIORITY FOR IMMEDIATE BROADCAST

Severe Weather Warning 
for Damaging Winds

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

Issued at 10:45 pm Saturday, 24 May 2025.

Isolated damaging winds continuing about elevated terrain this evening, easing Sunday morning then becoming more widespread from late Sunday.

Weather Situation
A cold front is moving across Victoria this evening, bringing the risk of isolated damaging winds over elevated parts of the northeast. Winds will ease Sunday morning, before northwesterly winds strengthen ahead of a more significant cold front late Sunday, bringing a broader risk of damaging winds across the state.
DAMAGING WINDS for the following areas:
Central, East Gippsland, South West, North Central, North East, West and South Gippsland and Wimmera
For EASTERN RANGES above 1200 metres:
 DAMAGING WINDS averaging 55 to 65 km/h with isolated peak gusts of around 90 km/h are possible during Saturday evening and early Sunday morning. Winds are expected to ease below thresholds during Sunday morning.
 Winds will redevelop from late Sunday evening, with DAMAGING WINDS averaging 60 to 70 km/h and peak gusts in excess of 100 km/h likely.
 For EASTERN RANGES below 1200 metres, CENTRAL RANGES and GRAMPIANS:
 Strong winds to DAMAGING WINDS averaging 55 to 65 km/h with peak gusts of around 90 km/h are possible from late Sunday evening.
 Locations which may be affected include Dargo, Mt Baw Baw, Falls Creek, Mt Hotham, Mt Buller, Omeo, Kilmore and Whittlesea.
 90 km/h wind gust was recorded at Mount Hotham at 8:03 pm.

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.

The next Severe Weather Warning will be issued by 5:00 am AEST Sunday.
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.