The Bureau of Meteorology (BoM) last night issued a Severe Weather Warning for people in North East and parts of Central, East Gippsland, North Central and West and South Gippsland Forecast Districts.
Strong and gusty northerly winds are expected over elevated areas – including the Kinglake Ranges – with heavy rain developing over northeast Victoria this morning.
A complex low-pressure system southwest of Victoria will direct a strong northerly flow over the State today and Thursday.
DAMAGING WINDS averaging 60 to 80 km/h with peak gusts of 90 to 110 km/h are expected to continue during tonight and early Thursday morning over elevated areas above 800 metres.
About the Alpine peaks (above 1600 metres) gusts may reach up to 120 km/h during Thursday morning.
Winds are expected to ease during Thursday afternoon.
HEAVY RAINFALL which may lead to FLASH FLOODING is expected to develop over the northeast district during Thursday evening.
Widespread rainfall totals of 30 to 60mm are forecast for the northeast on Thursday with isolated totals of 80 to 100mm. Rainfall will ease on Friday morning.
Locations which may be affected include Kyneton, Wodonga, Wangaratta, Corryong, Bright and Falls Creek.
Highest gusts recorded to 10:00pm Wednesday:
– 122 km/h at Mt Hotham at 8:53am
– 104 km/h at Mt Buller at 12:34pm
– 104 km/h at Falls Creek at 10:18am
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;
* Don’t walk, ride or drive through flood water;
* Keep clear of creeks and storm drains;
* Be aware that in fire-affected areas, rainfall run-off into waterways may contain debris such as ash, soil, trees and rocks;
* Be alert that in areas recently affected by fires, heavy rainfall increases the potential for landslides and debris across roads;
The next Severe Weather Warning will be issued by 5:00 am AEST Thursday.
