THE Bureau of Meteorology has issued a severe weather warning Thursday morning that includes damaging winds averaging 50km/h to 70km/h across the south west of the state, extending up to the Grampians.
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The warning also covers parts of the South West, Central, East Gippsland, North Central, North East, West and South Gippsland and Wimmera Forecast Districts.
The Bureau stated the wind comes off a cold front that entered western Victoria on Thursday morning.
The Bureau also stated the strongest wind gusts recorded so far today include:
- 137km/h at Mount Hotham at 5.05am
- 109km/h at Falls Creek at 4.56am
- 107km/h at Mount Buller at 1.28am
The State Emergency Service advises that people should:
- Be aware that trees that have been damaged by heat or fire may be unstable and more likely to fall when it is windy or wet.
- Check that loose items such as outdoor settings, umbrellas and trampolines are safely secured and 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.
- 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.
- Stay away from fallen powerlines always assume they are live.
- Stay informed monitor weather warnings, forecasts and river levels at the Bureau of Meteorology website, and warnings through VicEmergency.
The next severe weather warning will be issued at 5pm.
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