The Bureau of Meteorology (BOM) has issued a severe weather warning for damaging winds across parts of Victoria, including Bacchus Marsh.
Issued this morning – at 10.57am on Monday, June 23 – the BOM is warning people in South West and parts of Central, East Gippsland, North Central, North East, West and South Gippsland and Wimmera Forecast Districts that there are damaging wind gusts occurring over alpine areas today, becoming more widespread tomorrow – Tuesday, June 24.
According to the bureau, a complex low pressure system in the Great Australian Bight is extending a trough over central Victoria, producing a strengthening north-westerly flow ahead of it about alpine areas in the northeast.
A second cold front will then approach western Victoria on Tuesday and the pressure gradient will continue to strengthen, leading to vigorous north-westerly flow with damaging wind gusts becoming more widespread over western, central, and north-eastern parts of the state.
For Western Victoria, Central Victoria, and Gippsland, strong winds averaging 50 to 60 kilometres and hour with damaging wind gusts of about 90 kilometres and hour are possible in showers and thunderstorms from midday on Tuesday in the Wimmera and South West districts, extending to central districts during the afternoon, and west Gippsland by the evening.
Locations which may be affected include Bacchus Marsh, Warrnambool, Ballarat, Geelong, Stawell, Hamilton, Portland, Wonthaggi, Daylesford, Falls Creek, Edenhope and Colac.
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 the bureau by 5pm today. Warnings are also available through TV and Radio broadcasts, the bureau’s website at www.bom.gov.au or by calling 1300 659 210
