Australian Government Bureau of Meteorology Victoria TOP PRIORITY FOR IMMEDIATE BROADCAST Severe Weather Warning for Damaging Winds for parts of East Gippsland, North East and West and South Gippsland Forecast Districts. Issued at 10:50 pm Friday, 9 January 2026. Damaging winds contracting to east this evening. Weather Situation Gusty northwesterly winds have developed across the state, while a cool change is moving through the state has produced some thunderstorm activity. Conditions have eased across the west and central parts of the of the state this evening, but the risk of damaging wind gusts is likely to persist over the alpine peaks until Saturday morning. DAMAGING WINDS for the following areas: East Gippsland, North East and West and South Gippsland DAMAGING WINDS averaging 55 to 65 km/h with peak gusts around 90 km/h are possible about eastern ranges this evening. DAMAGING WIND GUSTS up to 110 km/h are forecast throughout the warning area. Winds are expected to ease below warning thresholds Saturday morning. Locations which may be affected include Bright, Falls Creek, Mt Hotham, Mt Buller, Omeo and Gelantipy. Severe weather is no longer occurring in the Central, Northern Country and North Central districts and the warning for these districts is CANCELLED. 93 km/h wind gust was recorded at Hopetoun at 4:15 pm. 91 km/h wind gust was recorded at Mount Buller at 2:51 pm. 91 km/h wind gust was recorded at Falls Creek at 2:35 pm. 94 km/h wind gust was recorded at Avalon at 2:20 pm. 98 km/h wind gust was recorded at Horsham at 2:16 pm. 93 km/h wind gust was recorded at Kilmore Gap at 2:14 pm. 91 km/h wind gust was recorded at Mount Hotham at 2:09 pm. 93 km/h wind gust was recorded at Nhill at 1:59 pm. 100 km/h wind gust was recorded at Mount William at 1:56 pm. 91 km/h wind gust was recorded at Mortlake at 1:31 pm. 112 km/h wind gust was recorded at Mount Gellibrand at 1:19 pm. Cancellation for the following areas: North Central,Northern Country,Central 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 am AEDT Saturday. 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.