Australian Government Bureau of Meteorology Victoria TOP PRIORITY FOR IMMEDIATE BROADCAST Severe Weather Warning for Damaging Winds And Heavy Rainfall for parts of East Gippsland, North East and West and South Gippsland Forecast Districts. Issued at 3:36 am Tuesday, 25 August 2026. Heavy rainfall and damaging winds possible about the northeast ranges this morning. Weather Situation A rain band is moving over the northeast ranges throughout this morning, possibly bringing periods of heavy rainfall and damaging winds. DAMAGING WINDS and HEAVY RAINFALL for the following areas: East Gippsland, North East and West and South Gippsland HEAVY RAINFALL which may lead to FLASH FLOODING is possible for the northeast ranges during this morning. Six-hour rainfall totals between 50 to 60 mm are possible. DAMAGING WINDS of 60 to 65 km/h and DAMAGING WIND GUSTS exceeding 90 km/h are occurring about the exposed peaks above 1600m east of Mount Buffalo. Winds are expected to ease during the day. The broader area of possible heavy rainfall is forecast to ease by this afternoon. However, severe thunderstorms may also develop and bring localised heavy falls to northern parts of the state during the afternoon and evening. Should severe thunderstorms develop, a Severe Thunderstorm Warning will be issued. A FLOOD WATCH is also current for North East catchments. For more details, please see https://www.bom.gov.au/weather-and-climate/warnings-and-alerts Locations which may be affected include Corryong, Bright, Falls Creek, Mt Hotham and Mt Buller. 94 km/h wind gust recorded at Mount Hotham AWS at 3:06am AEST. 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 am AEST Tuesday. 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.