Severe Weather Warning for DAMAGING, LOCALLY DESTRUCTIVE WINDS Central, East Gippsland, Mallee, South West, Northern Country, North Central, North East, West and South Gippsland and Wimmera Forecast Districts. Issued at 10:39 am Wednesday, 22 October 2025. Strong northwest to westerly winds averaging 50 to 60 km/h with DAMAGING GUSTS to 100 km/h over elevated areas and southwestern Victoria, will extend eastwards over the remainder of the warning area including MELBOURNE during the afternoon and early evening. DAMAGING west to southwesterly winds averaging 60 to 80 km/h with gusts to 100 to 120 km/h are likely to develop over the far southwest later Wednesday morning, and shift eastwards over southern parts of the Central district including Geelong and the Mornington Peninsula during the afternoon, and into south Gippsland by the late afternoon. DESTRUCTIVE WIND GUSTS to 130 km/h are possible about the coast west of Port Fairy until mid afternoon. Conditions are expected to ease over the north and west later Wednesday afternoon, over central parts in the evening and over the southeast during Thursday morning. Locations which may be affected include Horsham, Warrnambool, Bendigo, Shepparton, Seymour, Maryborough, Ballarat, Geelong, Melbourne, Wangaratta, Traralgon and Bairnsdale. 94 km/h wind gust recorded at Warrnambool Airport at 10:26 am. 93 km/h wind gust recorded at Mt William at 3:39 am. 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 5:00 pm AEDT Wednesday. Warnings are also available through TV and Radio broadcasts, the Bureau's website at www.bom.gov.au or call 1300 659 210. The Bureau and State Emergency Service would appreciate warnings being broadcast regularly.
