Australian Government Bureau of Meteorology Victoria TOP PRIORITY FOR IMMEDIATE BROADCAST Severe Weather Warning for Damaging Winds for East Gippsland and parts of Central, North East, West and South Gippsland and North Central Forecast Districts. Issued at 10:27 am Thursday, 7 May 2026. Damaging winds to develop over the east of the state late this evening. Blizzards also possible in alpine areas. Weather Situation A vigorous southwesterly airstream will develop over the eastern half of the state during the late evening, in the wake of a cold front moving into the Tasman Sea. DAMAGING WINDS for the following areas: Central, East Gippsland, North Central, North East and West and South Gippsland DAMAGING SOUTHWESTERLY WINDS averaging 60 to 70 km/h with peak gusts up to 90 km/h are likely over parts of the Central, North Central, Northeast and Gippsland districts from late this evening. For elevated areas of the eastern ranges above 1500 metres, wind gusts may reach up to 100 km/h. BLIZZARD conditions are also possible for alpine area above 1500 metres later this evening and early Friday morning. Conditions are expected to ease over the Central Districts, and West and South Gippsland during Friday morning, before easing over the eastern ranges and East Gippsland during early Friday afternoon. Locations which may be affected include Wonthaggi, Falls Creek, Dargo, Mt Baw Baw, Mallacoota, Mt Hotham, Mt Buller, Omeo 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 AEST 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.