Australian Government Bureau of Meteorology Victoria TOP PRIORITY FOR IMMEDIATE BROADCAST Severe Weather Warning for Damaging Winds for East Gippsland, North Central, West and South Gippsland and parts of Central, Northern Country and North East Forecast Districts. Issued at 7:18 pm Friday, 9 January 2026. Damaging winds contracting to east this evening. Weather Situation Gusty northwesterly winds have developed across the state, while a cool change is moving through the state has produced some thunderstorm activity. Very hot temperatures in the northwesterly winds ahead of the change are increasing the risk for damaging wind gusts across the state during the afternoon and early evening. Conditions have eased across the west of the state this evening, but the risk of damaging wind gusts is likely to persist over the alpine peaks until Saturday morning. DAMAGING WINDS for the following areas: Central, East Gippsland, Northern Country, North Central, North East and West and South Gippsland DAMAGING WINDS averaging 55 to 65 km/h with peak gusts around 90 km/h are possible about central and eastern ranges this evening. DAMAGING WIND GUSTS are expected throughout the warning area this evening. DAMAGING WIND GUSTS could reach up to 110 km/h with thunderstorms and over elevated terrain. Winds are expected to ease below warning thresholds across most of the state during the evening, but may persist over the eastern peaks until Saturday morning. Locations which may be affected include Seymour, Traralgon, Bairnsdale, Sale, Orbost and Bright. Severe weather is no longer occurring in the Mallee, South West and Wimmera districts and the warning for these districts is CANCELLED. 93 km/h wind gust was recorded at Hopetoun at 4:15 pm. 91 km/h wind gust was recorded at Mount Buller at 2:51 pm. 91 km/h wind gust was recorded at Falls Creek at 2:35 pm. 94 km/h wind gust was recorded at Avalon at 2:20 pm. 98 km/h wind gust was recorded at Horsham at 2:16 pm. 93 km/h wind gust was recorded at Kilmore Gap at 2:14 pm. 91 km/h wind gust was recorded at Mount Hotham at 2:09 pm. 93 km/h wind gust was recorded at Nhill at 1:59 pm. 100 km/h wind gust was recorded at Mount William at 1:56 pm. 91 km/h wind gust was recorded at Mortlake at 1:31 pm. 112 km/h wind gust was recorded at Mount Gellibrand at 1:19 pm. Cancellation for the following areas: Mallee,Wimmera,South West 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 AEDT Friday. 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.