Victoria is facing a turbulent weather period, with the Bureau of Meteorology (BoM) issuing urgent warnings about destructive winds sweeping across the state.
According to Community Information Officer Brooke Pagel, a “vigorous west to north-westerly airstream” has triggered these severe conditions, impacting various regions differently.
Currently, while some areas experience a slight reprieve, the Bellarine Peninsula near Geelong is still contending with gusts reaching 57km/h. This respite, however, is temporary.
Pagel warns that the winds are expected to intensify again later this afternoon and into the evening, with dangerous conditions persisting into early Monday.
Victoria braces winds intensify with peak gusts expected this evening.For central Victoria, including Melbourne, residents should brace for damaging winds ranging from 50 to 65km/h. The situation is set to worsen with peak gusts potentially hitting 100km/h in coastal areas such as Geelong, the Mornington Peninsula, and Gippsland.
Tonight, the threat escalates as destructive winds are anticipated to peak at up to 130km/h. Coastal regions from the South Australian border to the Bellarine Peninsula, as well as south-eastern suburbs of Melbourne and Wilson’s Promontory, are expected to face the worst of these conditions.
The Bureau’s forecast highlights the severity of the situation, with north-westerly winds causing significant disruption. Residents in these high-risk areas are advised to stay informed and take necessary precautions to ensure their safety.
While a reduction in wind speeds is forecasted for tomorrow, the immediate focus remains on weathering tonight’s severe conditions. Stay tuned for updates and follow safety guidelines as Victoria guides this challenging weather event.