Multiple weather conditions will hit the south-west today with strong gusty winds, afternoon rain and a top of 28 degrees forecast for Wednesday.
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The Bereau of Meteorology has issued two severe weather warnings for damaging winds and severe fire danger in the south-west.
Damaging winds averaging 50 to 70 km/h with peak gusts of around 90 km/h are forecast to develop over western and central areas of the state from Wednesday morning, more likely over elevated areas.
Damaging winds with squalls to 90km/h are also possible over inland western areas and along the west and central coastal fringe following a cold front in the afternoon and evening. Damaging winds with squalls to 90km/h are also possible with thunderstorms near and ahead of the cold front.
The strong cold front will approach Victoria from the west Wednesday, reaching the south-west during the afternoon and crossing to the east by Thursday morning.
Winds are expected to moderate within an hour or two following the cold front.
Locations which may be affected include Warrnambool and Geelong.
Severe Fire Danger is forecast for the south-west district with CFA advising residents to action their bushfire survival plan and monitor the fire and weather situation through emergency.vic.gov.au.
Warrnambool is expecting to see a top of 28 degrees on Wednesday with a mostly sunny morning and a 20 per cent chance of showers with gusty winds in the late morning and early afternoon.
There is a high (90 per cent) chance of rain in the afternoon and evening.
Winds northerly 25 to 40 km/h turning west to northwesterly 40 to 50 km/h in the middle of the day then tending north to northwesterly 25 to 40 km/h in the late afternoon.
The State Emergency Service advises that people should:
- Be aware that trees that have been damaged by heat or fire may be unstable and more likely to fall when it is windy or wet
- Check that loose items such as outdoor settings, umbrellas and trampolines are safely secured and 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
- 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
- Stay away from fallen powerlines always assume they are live
- Stay informed monitor weather warnings, forecasts and river levels at the Bureau of Meteorology website, and warnings through VicEmergency.
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