Victorians told to brace for wild winds

Victorians are being told to brace for wild winds over the next 24 hours.

A strong cold front is about to hit the state.

The Bureau of Meteorology issued a warning on Tuesday.

The bureau says damaging winds, averaging 65km/h with peak gusts up to 100km/h, are forecast to develop over southwest Victoria and expected to extend east across the central and eastern ranges tonight and during Wednesday morning.

“Destructive” wind gusts, with peak gusts of around 130km/h are possible over Alpine areas from early Wednesday morning.

Winds will ease from the west during Wednesday afternoon, before another burst of vigorous winds move across the state from the west late Wednesday.

Locations which may be affected include Stawell, Hamilton, Warrnambool, Portland, Maryborough, Castlemaine, Kyneton, Ballarat, Frankston, Bacchus Marsh, Bright and Falls Creek, as well as Dargo, Mt Baw Baw, Falls Creek, Mt Hotham, Mt Buller and Omeo.

Victoria SES State Duty Officer, Laura Dewildt, told Tom Elliott conditions weren’t as expected to be as bad in metro areas, but the risk of trees coming down and debris on roads was a definite possibility.

“That is the risk for overnight,” she said.

Press PLAY below to hear her advice