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 10:35 pm Thursday, 2 July 2026.

Damaging winds about the northeast 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 later on Friday morning with the passage of the front.

For areas 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 and into Friday. BLIZZARD conditions are possible during Thursday and into Friday.

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 Hotham and Mt Buller.

119 km/h wind gust was observed at Mt Buller 7:05 pm.

113 km/h wind gust was observed at Falls Creek 7:02 pm.

Sustained 76 km/h winds were observed at Falls Creek at 6:00 pm.

130 km/h wind gust was observed at Mt Hotham at 5:30 pm.

Sustained 83 km/h winds were observed at Mt Hotham at 4:08 pm.

Sustained 81 km/h winds were observed at Mt Buller at 3:30 pm.

91 km/h wind gust was observed at Mount Moornapa 1:55 pm.

102 km/h wind gust was observed at Gelantipy at 1:43 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 5:00 am AEST Friday.

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.