IDV21037
Australian Government Bureau of Meteorology

TOP PRIORITY FOR IMMEDIATE BROADCAST

Severe Weather Warning

for DAMAGING WINDS

For people in parts of Central, East Gippsland, North Central, North East and West and South Gippsland Forecast Districts.

Issued at 10:44 pm Saturday, 8 August 2026.

Damaging winds to develop over the central and eastern ranges on Sunday.

Weather Situation: North to northwesterly winds will strengthen on Sunday ahead of a cold front forecast to cross Victoria later on Sunday. Winds should gradually weaken during Monday morning as a broad low pressure system moves across western Victoria and into Bass Strait.

For the MACEDON and CENTRAL RANGES: DAMAGING WINDS averaging 60 to 70 km/h with peak gusts of around 90 km/h are possible from late Sunday morning.

For the NORTHEAST RANGES and ALPINE AREAS: DAMAGING WINDS averaging 60 to 70 km/h with peak gusts of around 100 km/h are likely to develop from late Sunday morning.

Winds are forecast to ease below warning thresholds early Monday morning.

Locations which may be affected include Falls Creek, Dargo, Mt Baw Baw, Mt Hotham, Mt Buller and Omeo.

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.

The next Severe Weather Warning will be issued by 5:00 am AEST Sunday.

Check https://www.bom.gov.au/weather-and-climate/warnings-and-alerts. Warnings are also available through TV and Radio broadcasts or call 1300 659 210. The Bureau and State Emergency Service would appreciate warnings being broadcast regularly.