Storm clouds forming over Benalla on the morning of Wednesday, October 22. Photo: Matt Weaver.
A low-pressure system is deepening off the southern coast of South Australia this morning, Wednesday, October 22, and will move rapidly to the east-southeast, tracking over Bass Strait just off the southern Victoria coast through the day.
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Locations that may be affected include Horsham, Warrnambool, Bendigo, Shepparton, Seymour, Maryborough, Ballarat, Geelong, Melbourne, Wangaratta, Traralgon and Bairnsdale.
The low is likely to weaken and clear eastwards into the Tasman Sea on Wednesday night.
Storm clouds above Benalla Art Gallery on Wednesday, October 22. Photo: Matt Weaver.
Strong north-west to westerly winds averaging 50 to 60km/h with damaging gusts to 100 km/h are likely to develop over south-western Victoria and elevated areas during Wednesday morning, then extend eastwards over the remainder of the warning area during the afternoon.
Damaging west to south-westerly winds averaging 60 to 80km/h with gusts to 100 to 120km/h are likely to develop over the far south-west later Wednesday morning, and shift eastwards over the southern parts of the Central district including Geelong and the Mornington Peninsula during the early afternoon, and into south Gippsland mid to late afternoon.
SES and the BoM are warning of potentially damaging winds across almost the whole of Victoria on Wednesday, October 22.
Conditions are expected to ease over the north and west later Wednesday afternoon, over central parts in the evening and over the south-east during Thursday morning.
The State Emergency Service advises that people should:
If driving conditions are dangerous, safely pull over away from trees, drains, low-lying areas and floodwater. Avoid travel if possible.
Stay safe by avoiding dangerous hazards, such as floodwater, mud, debris, damaged roads and fallen trees.
Be aware — heat, fire or recent storms may make trees unstable and more likely to fall when it’s windy or wet.
Check that loose items, such as outdoor settings, umbrellas and trampolines are safely secured. Move vehicles under cover or away from trees.
Stay indoors and away from windows.
If outdoors, move to a safe place indoors. Stay away from trees, drains, gutters, creeks and waterways.
Stay away from fallen powerlines — always assume they are live.
Be aware that in fire-affected areas, rainfall run-off into waterways may contain debris such as ash, soil, trees and rocks. Heavy rainfall may also increase the potential for landslides and debris across roads.
Stay informed: Monitor weather warnings, forecasts and river levels at the Bureau of Meteorology website, and warnings through VicEmergency website/app/hotline.
Warnings are available through TV and Radio broadcasts, bom.gov.au or by calling 1300 659 210.
