Australian Government Bureau of Meteorology Victoria TOP PRIORITY FOR IMMEDIATE BROADCAST Severe Weather Warning for Damaging Winds for parts of East Gippsland, South West, North East, Central, West and South Gippsland and Wimmera Forecast Districts. Issued at 2:02 pm Saturday, 19 September 2026. Damaging winds ahead of a trough and cold front on Sunday Weather Situation Northwesterly winds increase ahead of a trough and cold front approaching from the west from Sunday morning. As the system moves eastward, winds will increase about the north-east ranges from Sunday afternoon. This is a fast moving system with winds expected to ease in the west during the afternoon on Sunday but will linger about alpine areas until early Monday morning. DAMAGING WINDS for the following areas: Central, East Gippsland, South West, North East, West and South Gippsland and Wimmera For the GRAMPIANS: Strong to DAMAGING WINDS averaging 55 to 65 km/h with peak gusts of around 90 km/h are likely from around sunrise on Sunday to late Sunday afternoon. For the OTWAY RANGES: DAMAGING WIND GUSTS of around 90 km/h are likely from Sunday morning to late Sunday afternoon. For coastal areas, the chance of damaging wind gusts is lower than in the ranges and National Park. For the NORTH-EAST RANGES including ALPINE AREAS: DAMAGING WINDS averaging 65 to 75 km/h with peak gusts of around of 100 km/h are likely from early Sunday afternoon until around sunrise on Monday Locations which may be affected include Falls Creek, Mt Hotham and Mt Buller. 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 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.