THE WIMMERA has so far been spared the worst of severe weather and damaging winds sweeping across Victoria.
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A SES Victoria spokesman said there had been eight call outs in the region for the last 24 hours.
He said most of the call outs were for fallen trees obstructing the road, with two reports of property damage.
The Horsham SES unit responded to three requests, two fallen trees in Wartook causing property damage and one fallen tree in Haven.
Volunteers were called out to a property in Wartook which had part of its roof removed, with damage to power lines.
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The Stawell unit received call outs in Wartook and Halls Gap, and the Ararat unit responded to fallen trees in Eversley.
SES midwest region duty officer Bradley Jew urged residents to be prepared for high winds forecast for the region.
"As the forecast for Friday and Saturday is showing high winds across the midwest region, we encourage you to secure loose items, avoid coming into contact with downed power lines and drive according to road conditions," he said.
"Be very cautious of trees leaning over or parking under any trees as they may have been compromised in the recent wet and windy weather.
"We would also encourage you to download the VicEmergency app for latest warnings and advice, and to check the VicTraffic website for road closures due to debris."
This comes as VICSES received more than 650 calls for assistance across the state.
Of those calls, 540 are for fallen trees and over 60 for building damage.
Damaging winds averaging 40 to 60 km/h with peak gusts of 90 to 100 km/hr are possible throughout the warning area throughout Wednesday, mainly associated with the wind change but also likely with showers and thunderstorms.
For up-to-date coverage of the region's severe weather, follow our rolling updates.
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.
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