Severe Weather Warning (Damaging Winds) for parts of North East, East Gippsland and West and South Gippsland
17 JANUARY 2025 04:38 EDT
Australian Government Bureau of Meteorology
Victoria
TOP PRIORITY FOR IMMEDIATE BROADCAST
Severe Weather Warning
for Damaging Winds
for parts of North East, East Gippsland and West and South Gippsland Forecast Districts.
Issued at 4:38 am Friday, 17 January 2025.
Damaging winds possible about Alpine peaks.
Weather Situation
A strong high pressure system in the Bight combined with a developing low pressure system off the NSW coast are generating a strong southerly wind flow across the Victorian Alpine peaks.
DAMAGING WINDS for the following areas:
East Gippsland, North East and West and South Gippsland
Locally strong to DAMAGING WINDS averaging 60 to 70 km/h with peak gusts around 90 km/h are possible during Friday morning about the Alpine peaks and elevated terrain.
Winds are expected to ease later on Friday morning, but may redevelop later in the day.
Locations which may be affected include Falls Creek, Mt Hotham and Mt Buller.
Sustained wind speeds of 75 km/h were observed at Mount Hotham at 10:15pm Thursday.
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 AEDT Friday.
Warnings are also available through TV and Radio broadcasts, the Bureau's website at www.bom.gov.au or call 1300 659 210. The Bureau and State Emergency Service would appreciate warnings being broadcast regularly.
