On top of a state-wide total fire ban on Thursday and Code Red Fire warning for the Mallee and Northern Country districts, the Bureau of Meteorology forecasts damaging winds for the Wimmera region.
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The Bureau of Meteorology states a cold front and associated low pressure trough will cross Victoria during Thursday.
Damaging northerly winds, averaging 50 to 60 km/h with peak gusts of 90 to 100 km/h, are expected to develop in western parts of the warning area Thursday morning.
Peak wind gusts may reach up to 120 km/h around elevated areas above 500 metres, with showers or thunderstorms.
A cooler west to southwesterly change will move through the warning area during Thursday afternoon and evening.
Winds will then gradually ease following the change, with the risk of damaging winds clearing Victoria during Thursday evening.
Isolated thunderstorm activity could also produce wind gusts of 110km/h on Thursday.
Locations which may be affected include Horsham, Bendigo, Seymour, Maryborough, Ballarat, Geelong, Melbourne and Traralgon.
Recorded wind gusts:
119km/h at Nhill Aerodrome at 12:15am.
102km/h at Mount William at 04:11am.
The State Emergency Service advises that people should:
- 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.