At 9:29 pm Saturday, March 17 2018 the Bureau of Meteorology updated a SEVERE WEATHER WARNING for DAMAGING WINDS for people in Central, East Gippsland, South West, West and South Gippsland and parts of North Central, North East and Wimmera Forecast Districts.
Weather Situation: A trough over far western Victoria will cross the State overnight and during Sunday morning. The trough will be followed by a strong cold front which will reach the far southwest early Sunday morning, moving rapidly through central districts to reach eastern Victoria by late morning.
DAMAGING NORTH TO NORTHWESTERLY WINDS, averaging 60 to 70 km/h with peak gusts of 100 to 110 km/h, are expected over parts of the western and central districts tonight, particularly over elevated areas. These strong winds will extend to elevated parts in the east early SUNDAY MORNING. About the Alpine region, winds are expected to average 70 to 80 km/h with peak gusts around 120 km/h during SUNDAY MORNING.
DAMAGING WESTERLY WINDS, averaging 60 to 70 km/h with peak gusts of 90 to 100 km/h, are expected to develop throughout western and central parts of the warning area during Sunday morning following the passage of the cold front, reaching eastern parts from late morning. Peak gusts to 110 km/h are possible about the exposed southern coastal fringe.
Winds are expected to ease from the west during Sunday afternoon, with the risk of damaging winds clearing the State by late afternoon.
Locations which may be affected include Warrnambool, Ballarat, Geelong, Melbourne, Traralgon, Moe, Bairnsdale, Mt Buller and Mt Hotham.
Strongest wind gusts to 9.30pm Saturday include :
Hamilton Ap 109 km/h at 8.00pm
Mortlake 104 km/h at 9.08pm
Warrnambool 104 km/h at 9.00pm
Mt William 99 km/h at 7.38pm
Mt Gellibrand 93 km/h at 8.35pm
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 BoM will issue the next Severe Weather Warning by 5:00 a.m. AEDT Sunday, March 18.
