Severe Weather Warning (Damaging Winds) for parts of Central, South West, North Central and Wimmera
18 SEPTEMBER 2020 16:24 EST
Australian Government Bureau of Meteorology
TOP PRIORITY FOR IMMEDIATE BROADCAST
Severe Weather Warning
for Damaging Winds
for parts of Central, South West, North Central and Wimmera Forecast Districts.
Issued at 4:24 pm Friday, 18 September 2020.
Damaging wind gusts developing about elevated areas Saturday afternoon and evening
Weather Situation
A deep low pressure system over South Australia will continue east tonight while filling, as a high becomes established over the Tasman Sea just east of Victoria. The low and high are combining to direct a warm and humid northerly flow that will become locally strong and gusty as a trough moves over the state Saturday afternoon and evening. Winds are expected to ease once the trough clears eastern Victoria early on Sunday.
DAMAGING WINDS for the following areas:
Central, South West, North Central and Wimmera
DAMAGING WINDS, averaging 60 to 70 km/h with peak gusts of 90 to 100 km/h are likely to develop about western areas above 500 metres Saturday afternoon, then extend to central elevated areas tomorrow evening.
The warning area is expected to extend to northeastern Alpine areas early Sunday as winds there increase, then ease rapidly during Sunday morning.
Locations which may be affected include Stawell, Ararat, Kyneton, Ballarat and Daylesford.
The State Emergency Service advises that people should:
* Be aware that trees that have been damaged by heat or fire may be unstable and more likely to fall when it is windy or wet.
* Check that loose items such as outdoor settings, umbrellas and trampolines are safely secured and 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.
* 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.
* Stay away from fallen powerlines always assume they are live.
* Stay informed monitor weather warnings, forecasts and river levels at the Bureau of Meteorology website, and warnings through VicEmergency.
The next Severe Weather Warning will be issued by 11:00 pm AEST Friday.
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.
