The Bureau of Meteorology (BoM) this morning (11:28am) issued a Severe Weather Warning for Damaging Winds for people in parts of Central, East Gippsland, South West, North Central, North East, West and South Gippsland and Wimmera Forecast Districts.
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Weather Situation: North to northwesterly winds are expected to increase ahead of a cold front which will cross the State on Thursday.
DAMAGING WINDS averaging 60 to 70 km/h with peak gusts of around 90 km/h are expected to develop over western parts of the warning area tonight, then extend eastwards early Thursday.
Over Alpine areas, peak gusts of 110 km/h are possible.
Winds are expected to ease over most of the warning area by Thursday afternoon, although Alpine areas not expected to ease until late Thursday evening.
Locations which may be affected include Ararat, Kyneton, Ballarat, Daylesford, Bacchus Marsh and Falls Creek.
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 11:00 pm AEST Wednesday, July 18.
This article was updated to reflect latest BoM and Kinglake Weather Station information at 5:45pm.