Australian Government Bureau of Meteorology Victoria TOP PRIORITY FOR IMMEDIATE BROADCAST Severe Weather Warning for Damaging Winds for parts of East Gippsland, South West, North East and West and South Gippsland Forecast Districts. Issued at 4:44 pm Monday, 27 July 2026. Damaging winds possible over alpine peaks from Tuesday afternoon and southwest coastal areas from Tuesday evening. Weather Situation A cold front is forecast to move across Victoria on Tuesday driving increased northwesterly winds across elevated areas in the northeast of the state from Tuesday afternoon. A weakening low crosses Bass Strait Tuesday evening and into early Wednesday with increased southwesterly winds about the southwest coast. Conditions ease Wednesday as the front and low shift further east. DAMAGING WINDS for the following areas: East Gippsland, South West, North East and West and South Gippsland For ALPINE AREAS above 1200 metres: DAMAGING NORTHWESTERLY WINDS averaging 60 to 70 km/h with peak gusts of around 100 km/h are possible from early Tuesday afternoon. For SOUTHWEST COASTAL AREAS: DAMAGING SOUTHWESTERLY WINDS averaging 60 to 70 km/h with peak gusts of around 90 km/h are possible from Tuesday evening, with the strongest gusts expected in shower activity and isolated thunderstorms. DAMAGING WINDS are expected to ease during Wednesday morning. Locations which may be affected include Warrnambool, Portland, Falls Creek, Mt Hotham and Mt Buller. 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 Monday. 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.