The Bureau of Meteorology (BoM) this morning (10:47am) issued a Severe Weather Warning for Damaging Winds for people in Central, South West, North Central and parts of East Gippsland, North East, West and South Gippsland and Wimmera Forecast Districts.
Monitor Kinglake’s latest weather conditions live here, here or here.
Weather Situation:
Northerly winds are expected to strengthen ahead of a cold front that is expected to reach western Victoria tonight.
DAMAGING WINDS, averaging 60 to 70 km/h with peak gusts of around 90 km/h are possible within the warning area in the west this morning before extending to central and eastern areas during the afternoon and evening. Elevated areas are considered to be most susceptible along with the Mornington Penninsula.
Over Alpine areas winds are expected to average 70 to 80 km/h late Monday afternoon, with peak gusts between 110 and 120 km/h expected Monday evening.
Isolated thunderstorms enering the southwest Monday evening could also produce wind gusts 90 to 100km/h.
Locations which may be affected include Warrnambool, Ballarat, Geelong, Melbourne, Wonthaggi, Bacchus Marsh and Alpine resorts.
The highest wind gusts today has been 106km/h at Mount William and 96km/h at Melbourne Airport. The highest gust recorded at Kinglake today was 59.5km/h NNE at 3.17pm AEST.
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 Monday, July 23.
