Australian Government Bureau of Meteorology Victoria TOP PRIORITY FOR IMMEDIATE BROADCAST Severe Weather Warning for Damaging Winds for South West and parts of Central, East Gippsland, North East, West and South Gippsland and Wimmera Forecast Districts. Issued at 4:58 am Saturday, 5 September 2026. Damaging winds developing over alpine areas, extending to southwestern parts this morning. Weather Situation A strong cold front is approaching western Victoria early this morning and will move east across the state during the day. Ahead of this system northwesterly winds are increasing over the northeastern ranges. Winds will turn more westerly later this morning and afternoon with some showers and thunderstorms in the west with the passage of the front. DAMAGING WINDS for the following areas: Central, East Gippsland, South West, North East, West and South Gippsland and Wimmera For the NORTHEAST RANGES and ALPINE AREAS: DAMAGING NORTHWESTERLY WINDS averaging 65 to 75 km/h with peak gusts up to 110 km/h are likely to develop early this morning and continue through the day, easing during this evening. For parts of the SOUTHWEST: DAMAGING WIND GUSTS with peak gusts in excess of 90 km/h may develop during this morning, most likely in showers and thunderstorms, before conditions ease into this afternoon. For the MACEDON and CENTRAL RANGES: Damaging winds are no longer expected early this morning. Locations which may be affected include Warrnambool, Hamilton, Portland, Falls Creek, Edenhope and Colac. Severe weather is no longer occurring in the North Central district and the warning for this district is CANCELLED. Cancellation for the following areas: North 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 11:00 am AEST Saturday. 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.