A strong cold front associated with a deepening low over the Southern Ocean is expected to enter western Victoria tonight and cross the remainder of Victoria overnight and early on Monday, introducing a vigorous westerly airstream across Victoria.
DAMAGING WINDS, averaging 60 to 70 km/h with peak gusts of around 90 km/h are expected to develop this evening and overnight, mainly affecting elevated parts of the State, including the Kinglake Ranges.
Peak wind gusts up to 120 km/h are possible over Alpine peaks overnight.
Localised thunderstorms are expected to extend across the State overnight and have the potential to produce damaging wind gusts of 90 to 100 km/h.
Thunderstorm activity is expected to increase near or just ahead of the cold front.
Damaging wind gusts are expected to contract to the coast and Alpine Peaks during Monday morning then will gradually ease during the afternoon.
Locations which may be affected include Horsham, Warrnambool, Bendigo, Shepparton, Seymour, Maryborough, Ballarat, Geelong, Melbourne, Wangaratta 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 update will be issued by 11:00 pm AEDT Sunday.
