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 4:57 pm Wednesday, 1 July 2026.

Damaging winds occurring over central and northeastern ranges, more likely from the evening.

Weather Situation: A cold front approaches during the afternoon and evening, bringing strong north to northwesterly winds over elevated areas. Strong northwesterly winds will continue into Thursday in the wake of the front.

For the CENTRAL RANGES including MELBOURNE'S NORTHERN SUBURBS: DAMAGING WINDS averaging 55 to 65 km/h with gusts around 90 km/h have developed in the central ranges and will extend down to Melbourne's northern suburbs early this evening. These winds will ease before midnight.

For the ALPINE PEAKS: DAMAGING WIND GUSTS around 90 km/h are occurring, with DAMAGING WINDS averaging 70 to 80 km/h with peak gusts of around 120 km/h possible to develop during the evening. Winds may temporarily ease early on Thursday morning before redeveloping around sunrise with gusts of 110 km/h.

For the NORTHEAST RANGES above 1200 metres: DAMAGING WINDS averaging 60 to 70 km/h with peak gusts of around 100 km/h are likely to develop during the evening. Winds are expected to ease temporarily during early on Thursday morning before redeveloping around sunrise.

Flood watches and warnings are current for the state. Refer to https://www.bom.gov.au/weather-and-climate/warnings-and-alerts

Locations which may be affected include Craigieburn, Melbourne Airport, Falls Creek, Mt Baw Baw and Mt Hotham.

A 93 km/h wind gust was observed at Mt William at 4:32 pm.

A 96 km/h wind gust was observed at Kilmore Gap at 4:23 pm.

A 98 km/h wind gust was observed at Mt Hotham at 1:19 pm.

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 11:00 pm AEST Wednesday.

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.