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 8:58 am Wednesday, 11 March 2026. Damaging winds occurring about the eastern ranges of Victoria today. Weather Situation Strong northwesterly winds have developed ahead of a cold front that will cross the state today. This is bringing damaging winds to the ranges about the North East and Gippsland districts. DAMAGING WINDS for the following areas: East Gippsland, North East and West and South Gippsland Strong northwesterly winds averaging 50 to 60 km/h with DAMAGING WIND GUSTS of around 90 km/h are occurring about the ranges of eastern Victoria. Winds about exposed elevated peaks are likely to average 60 to 70 km/h with peak gusts to 110 km/h. Conditions are expected to ease from the west during this evening. Locations which may be affected include Falls Creek, Mt Baw Baw, Mt Hotham, Mt Buller, and Lorne. Severe weather is no longer occurring in the Central and South West districts and the warning for these districts is CANCELLED. 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 5:00 pm AEDT Wednesday. 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.