Australian Government Bureau of Meteorology Victoria TOP PRIORITY FOR IMMEDIATE BROADCAST Severe Weather Warning for Damaging Winds for parts of Central, North Central, West and South Gippsland and East Gippsland Forecast Districts. Issued at 10:27 am Thursday, 15 January 2026. Damaging southeasterly winds possible tonight. Weather Situation A trough moving slowly across northeast Victoria today will direct strong southeasterly winds over southern and central parts of the state this evening. DAMAGING WINDS for the following areas: Central, East Gippsland, North Central and West and South Gippsland DAMAGING SOUTHEASTERLY WINDS, averaging 60 to 70 km/h with peak gusts of around 90 km/h are possible this evening about the Macedon Ranges, the Bellarine and Mornington Peninsulas, the Surf Coast, the Bass Coast and much of the Gippsland coast. DAMAGING WINDS are more likely about exposed coastal locations in West and South Gippsland. Winds are expected to develop during the evening and then ease below warning thresholds early on Friday morning. Locations which may be affected include Wonthaggi, Daylesford, Castlemaine, Kyneton, Torquay, Rosebud and Tidal River. 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 5:00 pm AEDT Thursday. Check https://www.bom.gov.au/weather-and-climate/warnings-and-alerts. Warnings are also available through TV and Radio broadcasts or call 1300 659 210. The Bureau and State Emergency Service would appreciate warnings being broadcast regularly.