Forecast

Australian Government Bureau of Meteorology
Victoria

TOP PRIORITY FOR IMMEDIATE BROADCAST

Severe Weather Warning
for Damaging Winds

for parts of East Gippsland, North East, West and South Gippsland, Central and South West Forecast Districts.

Issued at 5:11 am Wednesday, 11 March 2026.

Damaging winds possible about the Otways and eastern elevated areas this morning.

Weather Situation
Strengthening northwesterly winds are expected to develop ahead of a cold front crossing the state today. This may bring damaging winds to the Otways and the lee slopes, as well as the ranges about the North East and Gippsland districts.
DAMAGING WINDS for the following areas:
Central, East Gippsland, South West, North East and West and South Gippsland
Strong northwesterly winds averaging 50 to 60 km/h with DAMAGING WIND GUSTS of around 90 km/h are possible about the Otways and higher terrain of eastern Victoria from around sunrise this morning. Gusts about exposed elevated peaks in the northeast may reach 100 km/h.
Winds are expected to contract from the west through the afternoon. Winds should ease about the Otways by early afternoon while winds in the east may persist until late afternoon.
Locations which may be affected include Falls Creek, Mt Baw Baw, Mt Hotham, Mt Buller, and Lorne.

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 Wednesday.
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.

Australian Government Bureau of Meteorology
Victoria

TOP PRIORITY FOR IMMEDIATE BROADCAST

Severe Weather Warning
for Damaging Winds

for parts of East Gippsland, North East, West and South Gippsland, Central and South West Forecast Districts.

Issued at 5:11 am Wednesday, 11 March 2026.

Damaging winds possible about the Otways and eastern elevated areas this morning.

Weather Situation
Strengthening northwesterly winds are expected to develop ahead of a cold front crossing the state today. This may bring damaging winds to the Otways and the lee slopes, as well as the ranges about the North East and Gippsland districts.
DAMAGING WINDS for the following areas:
Central, East Gippsland, South West, North East and West and South Gippsland
Strong northwesterly winds averaging 50 to 60 km/h with DAMAGING WIND GUSTS of around 90 km/h are possible about the Otways and higher terrain of eastern Victoria from around sunrise this morning. Gusts about exposed elevated peaks in the northeast may reach 100 km/h.
Winds are expected to contract from the west through the afternoon. Winds should ease about the Otways by early afternoon while winds in the east may persist until late afternoon.
Locations which may be affected include Falls Creek, Mt Baw Baw, Mt Hotham, Mt Buller, and Lorne.

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 Wednesday.
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.