With damaging, gusty winds and heavy rains forecast overnight and through the weekend, there is a risk of localised power outages.
A strong northerly flow ahead of an approaching cold front is producing damaging winds over parts of the Great Dividing Range and southern slopes. The front will move into the central and eastern parts of the state during early Saturday morning before clearing to the east by the middle of the day.
The Bureau of Meteorology is predicting damaging winds averaging 55 to 65 km/h, with peak gusts of up to 100 km/h are expected for the remainder of today and early Saturday morning in the central ranges; damaging winds averaging 60 to 70 km/h with peak gusts of around 110 km/h continuing into Saturday afternoon in the eastern ranges. Blizzard conditions are also possible for alpine areas above 1400 metres from late Friday evening.
Conditions are expected to ease in western and central areas by around sunrise, and over the Eastern Ranges during Saturday afternoon.
Locations which may be affected include Ballarat, Daylesford, Falls Creek, Yarra Glen, Dargo and Mt Baw Baw.
To be prepared, make sure you have access to, a fully charged mobile phone with emergency contact numbers, a torch or battery-operated light, a battery-powered radio for alerts and updates, an emergency kit and non-perishable foods and bottled water.
Stay safe by keeping clear of fallen powerlines – always assume they are live – and report any fallen powerlines to your electricity distributor.
If you are a registered power-dependent customer, ensure your power outage plan is updated and in place.
Warnings are available through TV and Radio broadcasts, the Bureau’s website at www.bom.gov.au or call 1300 659 210.
To find out how you can prepare for power outages, visit www.energy.vic.gov.au/safety/power-outages or phone 136 186.
