TOP PRIORITY FOR IMMEDIATE BROADCAST
Severe Weather Warning
for DAMAGING WINDS
For people in Central, South West, North Central, West and South Gippsland and parts of East Gippsland, North East and Wimmera Forecast Districts.
Issued at 10:54 am Wednesday, 2 May 2018.
Northerly winds will become strong and gusty over parts of the State ahead of a cold front which will cross the State late Thursday and early Friday morning.
DAMAGING WINDS, averaging 60 to 70 km/h with peak gusts of around 90 km/h are expected to develop about elevated areas of the State during Thursday - developing over the far west and also Alpine areas from late morning and across the remainder of the area during the afternoon and evening.
Wind gusts over Alpine areas are likely to peak between 100-110km/h Thursday night.
Over lower lying areas within the warning area, wind gusts around 90 km/h are possible during Thursday afternoon and evening.
Whilst winds will largely ease over western Victoria during Thursday evening, isolated thunderstorms may still produce some strong wind squalls.
Locations which may be affected include Horsham, Warrnambool, Seymour, Maryborough, Ballarat, Geelong, Melbourne and Traralgon.
The State Emergency Service advises that people should:
* Move vehicles under cover or away from trees;
* Secure or put away loose items around your house, yard and balcony;
* Keep clear of fallen power lines;
The next Severe Weather Warning will be issued by 5:00 pm AEST Wednesday.
Warnings are also available through TV and Radio broadcasts, the Bureau's website at
www.bom.gov.au or call 1300 659 217. The Bureau and State Emergency Service would appreciate warnings being broadcast regularly.