The Bureau of Meteorology (BOM) has issued a severe weather warning for destructive winds, with Kyneton on the list of locations which may be affected.
Issued at 12.40pm on Tuesday, August 2, BOM said a strong cold front will enter the west of the state late on Tuesday, bringing a “vigorous north to northwesterly flow”.
“Showers and thunderstorms are likely along the front, as well as in northwesterly winds in its wake. The front will continue to move east overnight, reaching the eastern districts during Wednesday morning,” BOM said.
“Damaging winds averaging 65 km/h with peak gusts up to 100 km/h, reaching 110km/h over elevated areas, are forecast to develop over southwest Victoria from this evening and expected to extend east across the central and eastern ranges tonight and during Wednesday morning. Locally destructive wind gusts with peak gusts of around 130 km/h are possible over Alpine peaks from early Wednesday morning.
“Damaging winds will ease from the west during Wednesday afternoon, before another burst of vigorous winds move across the state from the west late Wednesday.”
According to BOM, locations which may be affected include Stawell, Hamilton, Warrnambool, Portland, Maryborough, Castlemaine, Kyneton, Ballarat, Frankston, Bacchus Marsh, Bright and Falls Creek. Other locations which may be affected include Dargo, Mt Baw Baw, Falls Creek, Mt Hotham, Mt Buller and Omeo.
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.
