UPDATE 4.20pm: The State emergency service is urging those holidaying across the state over the next 72 hours to stay safe as volatile weather moves in.
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SES spokeswoman Natalie Stanway said a weather warning had been issued for parts of northern, western and central Victoria, with strong winds and heavy rains expected.
Ms Stanway said Echuca may prove to be one of the places hardest hit by the storm system, which was moving over South Australia and was scheduled to hit Victoria tomorrow morning.
“It would be good to give a heads up to all those camping – especially in the Echuca area – not to camp under trees,” she said.
She encouraged people not to swim or play near creeks for fear heavy rainfall could trigger flash flooding.
The Bureau of Meteorology predicted damaging winds averaging 50 to 60 km/h with peak gusts up to 100 km/h to develop in central Victoria in the morning.
“It would be a really good idea for all those families who just took receipt of new trampolines from Santa to make sure they are tied down,” Ms Stanway said.
“The same goes for any new outdoor furniture. It would be best to tie it down or put it away.”
UPDATE 11.10am: A weather warning has been issued for southern Australia with predictions of heavy winds in Bendigo tomorrow.
The bureau of Meteorology says a deep low pressure system over South Australia is expected near Adelaide overnight before moving nearer to the western Bass Strait on Wednesday.
Damaging winds averaging 50 to 60 km/h with peak gusts up to 100 km/h are expected to develop across Mallee, Wimmera and Southwest districts early Wednesday morning.
The winds are then expected to extend eastwards during the day and reach the Northern Country, North Central and Central districts later in the morning.
Winds are expected to ease from the west during the afternoon, easing over Alpine areas overnight into Thursday.
EARLIER: Bendigo is set for a steamy start to the new year with predictions tropical weather and storms will hit the state over the next few days.
The Bureau of Meteorology is predicting hot, humid weather with the chance of high winds, rainfall, flash flooding and thunderstorms to move into the state from tomorrow.
Meteorologist Scott Williams said the tropical humidity predicted to hit Victoria would be similar to that experienced in far north Queensland.
“Temperatures are going to stay hot in the north of the state and warm for the rest of Victoria, with a lot of moisture in the air creating a tropical effect,” he said.
“On Wednesday we will have high winds and rain, particularly through west and central Victoria, and on Thursday and Friday we can expect to see high amounts of rainfall moving down from the north with the potential for flash flooding and thunderstorms.”
Victorians were being urged to prepare for the hot weather and storms, and plan holidays and trips accordingly.
Emergency Management Commissioner Craig Lapsley said there were some simple steps people could take to ensure they and their loved ones stayed safe during the holiday period.
“Victorians and visitors need to stay alert and aware of the risks, with the winds on Wednesday increasing the fire danger particularly for the north, west and central parts of the state, followed by storms and flash flooding moving through the next day,” he said.
“Don’t camp under trees, extinguish your campfires properly, stay on higher ground and take care while driving on the roads.
“If you are at home make sure you secure loose items, and you are prepared for any potential power outages.”
Victorians and visitors could stay informed about the latest emergencies, advice and warnings, and find out more about how to prepare for a storm, by visiting www.emergency.vic.gov.au, or downloading the VicEmergency app.
For flood and storm emergency assistance call 132 500 from anywhere in Victoria. For life- threatening emergencies call Triple Zero (000).
