IDV21037
Australian Government Bureau of Meteorology

TOP PRIORITY FOR IMMEDIATE BROADCAST

Severe Weather Warning

for DAMAGING WINDS

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

Issued at 10:41 am Thursday, 2 July 2026.

Damaging winds about the northeast ranges persisting into Friday morning, blizzards possible overnight.

Weather Situation: Vigorous northwesterly flow is expected to continue over eastern Victoria ahead of a cold front crossing the state during Friday morning. Winds are forecast to ease tomorrow with the passage of the front.

For the NORTHEAST RANGES above 1200 metres: DAMAGING WINDS averaging 60 to 70 km/h with peak gusts of around 110 km/h are expected to continue during Thursday. Blizzard conditions are forecast from the evening.

Winds and blizzard conditions are expected to ease during Friday morning.

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 Falls Creek, Mt Baw Baw, Mt Hotham and Mt Buller.

Winds averaging 81 km/h with a gust of 107 km/h were observed at Falls Creek at 12:06 am Thursday.

Winds averaging 85 km/h with a gust of 117 km/h were observed at Mt Hotham at 11:47 pm Wednesday.

A 109 km/h wind gust was observed at Mount Buller Airport at 11:16pm Wednesday.

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 pm AEST Thursday.

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.