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 6:45 pm Sunday, 20 September 2026. Damaging winds continue for northeastern alpine regions ahead of a trough and cold front this evening. Weather Situation Northwesterly winds are increasing over northeastern alpine regions ahead of a trough and cold front that are crossing the state this evening. Winds will weaken behind these feature into early Monday morning. DAMAGING WINDS for the following areas: East Gippsland, North East and West and South Gippsland For the NORTH-EAST RANGES including ALPINE AREAS: DAMAGING NORTHWESTERLY WINDS averaging 65 to 75 km/h with peak gusts of around of 100 km/h are likely, easing by the very early hours of Monday morning. Locations which may be affected include Falls Creek, Mt Hotham and Mt Buller. Severe weather is no longer occurring in the Central and South West districts and the warning for these districts is CANCELLED. 98 km/h wind gust was recorded at Mount Buller at 6:37 pm. 93 km/h wind gust was recorded at Mount Hotham at 6:08 pm. 104 km/h wind gust was recorded at Aireys Inlet at 1:01 pm. Cancellation for the following areas: South West,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 11:00 pm AEST Sunday. 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.