31/05/2026
** Update: A new warning has been issued. Stay informed: http://www.bom.gov.au/vic/warnings/ **
Severe Weather Warning for damaging winds
Issued at 4:50 pm on Sunday 31 May 2026
Where:
For people in parts of Central, East Gippsland, North Central, North East, West and South Gippsland and South West Forecast Districts.
Locations which may be affected include Ballarat, Bacchus Marsh, Falls Creek, Yarra Glen, Dargo, Mt Baw Baw, Mt Hotham, Mt Buller, Omeo and Apollo Bay.
When:
Damaging winds to develop about central and eastern areas from Monday afternoon.
Situation:
A complex low pressure system will approach Victoria on Monday, with vigorous northwesterly winds expected ahead of a cold front which will cross the state on Monday night.
For Central Victoria: Strong winds averaging 50 to 60 km/h with damaging wind gusts of around 90 km/h are likely to develop from Monday afternoon over the Macedon and Otway ranges and their southern slopes. Into the evening damaging wind gusts are also possible over lower lying areas including the northern suburbs of Melbourne. Winds are then forecast to ease before dawn on Tuesday morning.
For the Northeastern Ranges: Damaging winds averaging 60 to 70 km/h with peak gusts of around 100 km/h are likely over elevated areas above 1200 metres from late Monday evening. Winds are then forecast to ease by late Tuesday morning.
What you should do:
The Victoria 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 pm AEST Sunday.
