An earlier Watch and Act warning for severe weather has been downgraded to an Advice alert across much of the state, including Geelong, the Bellarine, and the Surf Coast.
Winds averaging 55 to 65 km/h with gusts over 100 km/h have been observed in the area.
Winds are forecast to continue during the early morning in the eastern parts of the Central district including Melbourne and Geelong, and ease during Saturday morning.
Stay informed and be aware of potential hazards caused by the severe weather.
EARILER:
Watch and Act warnings have been put in place for severe weather across Geelong, the Bellarine Peninsula and the Surf Coast.
The Bureau of Meteorology has warned that damaging southwesterly winds averaging 55 to 65 km/h, with gusts of around 100 km/h, will develop in the Southwest district late Friday afternoon.
A Watch and Act warning is in place along the state’s western coast, between the South Australian border and Anglesea, with this region warned of winds averaging 70 to 80 km/h with gusts of around 115 km/h between 7pm and midnight.
These conditions are expected to extend to Greater Geelong during the evening, with a separate Watch and Act alert advising locals that winds will be at their strongest from 10pm to 4am, before easing around sunrise on Saturday.
The State Emergency Service have told residents to prepare to take shelter and be aware of potential hazards caused by the severe weather.
The potential impacts across our area include:
- Building damage
- Fallen powerlines
- Fallen trees and branches
- Broken windows
- Damage to vehicles
- Dangerous road conditions.
The alert has advised locals to:
- Park your car undercover and away from trees.
- Stay inside if conditions outside appear dangerous.
- Contact family members and neighbours to ensure they are aware of the situation, if safe to do so.
- Check that loose items such as outdoor furniture, umbrellas and trampolines are safely secured before the severe weather arrives.
- Expect power outages, charge your devices now.
- Avoid travel if possible.
If you have to drive:
- If driving conditions are dangerous, safely pull over away from trees.
- Be aware of road hazards such as mud, debris and damaged roads or bridges.
- For road closure information, check the VicTraffic website, contact your local council or call VicRoads (13 11 70).
Transport Victoria has reminded motorists to slow down and take extra care in bad weather.
Advice includes keeping a safe distance from the car in front, avoiding distraction, and using low-beam headlights to help see and be seen.
Call Triple Zero (000) in a life threatening emergency. For severe weather related emergency assistance from the SES, phone 132 500.
The next Bureau of Meteorology message will be delivered by 5pm, with an update to the State Emergency Service warning expected by 5:30pm or as the situation changes.
