Australian Government Bureau of Meteorology Victoria TOP PRIORITY FOR IMMEDIATE BROADCAST Severe Weather Warning for Damaging Winds for parts of Central, North Central, North East, West and South Gippsland and East Gippsland Forecast Districts. Issued at 10:39 am Wednesday, 19 August 2026. Damaging winds possible in Melbourne and about the ranges today. Weather Situation A strong northerly flow is forecast to develop this morning ahead of a trough crossing Victoria, bringing strong winds over central and eastern parts of the state. Winds will then tend northwesterly and ease during the afternoon in the wake of the trough. DAMAGING WINDS for the following areas: Central, East Gippsland, North Central, North East and West and South Gippsland DAMAGING WINDS averaging 60 to 70 km/h with peak gusts of around 90 km/h are likely about the central and eastern ranges today, and may possibly extend into Melbourne and parts of the Mornington and Bellarine Peninsulas. Winds are expected to ease during the afternoon over Melbourne, and then ease over the ranges by early evening. Locations which may be affected include Melbourne, Falls Creek, Yarra Glen, Mt Baw Baw, Rosebud, Mt Hotham and Mt Buller. Significant wind observations to 10:30 am Wednesday include: 94 km/h wind gust was recorded at Mt Hotham at 9:57 am Sustained 67 km/h winds were recorded at Mt Hotham at 9:00 am 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 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.