The Bureau of Meteorology has issued a warning, saying strong to gale-force northerly winds and rain will develop ahead of the change overnight Sunday and during Monday.

Scattered showers and local hail and thunder will follow the change.

Snow is expected to fall down to 700 metres by Monday night as the colder air spreads across the state after the front.

Damaging winds, around 50 to 70 km/h, are forecast to develop over southern and mountain districts, with peak gusts of 100-120 km/h over elevated areas and 90 to100 km/h more generally.

Blizzard conditions have also been forecast for Alpine regions in the north-east and Gippsland areas.

The State Emergency Service advises that people should:

- Move vehicles under cover or away from trees.

- Secure or put away loose items around their house, yard and balcony.

- Keep clear of fallen power lines.

For emergency help in floods and storms, people can call their local SES unit on 132 500.