WIND gusts up to 100 kilometres an hour are expected in parts of western Victoria on Sunday, as a cold front sweeps through the state.
A severe weather warning has been issued for central and southern Wimmera, as residents are encouraged to secure outdoor furniture ahead of the wild weather.
A Total Fire Ban will also be in place for the Wimmera, Mallee, Northern Country and North Central regions, as dry lightning could accompany the strong winds.
Bureau of Meteorology senior forecaster Callum Stuart said western Victoria would be affected primarily in the morning on Sunday, December 27.
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"With a cold front approaching the south-western parts of the state, we expect to see north westerly winds pick up from tomorrow morning," he said.
"The sort of thing we're expecting with this is wind gusts up to 90 kilometres an hour, possibly up to 100 kilometres an hour at exposed areas above 400 metres.
"These are the kind of winds that can blow away outdoor furniture, can cause weakened tree limbs to come down, so we've issued a severe weather warning for damaging winds."
Mr Stuart said there was also a severe fire danger for the north-west of the state.
"We are unlikely to see any significant rainfall coming out of any thunderstorms that do develop, but dry lightning is a risk up in the north western parts where the fire danger is elevated," he said.
The State Emergency Service advises that people should:
- 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.
- 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 website/app/hotline.
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Richard Crabtree
richard.crabtree@austcommunitymedia.com.au
richard.crabtree@austcommunitymedia.com.au
