UPDATE 9am: The Bureau of Meteorology has put out a severe weather warning for damaging winds for people in the Central, South West, North Central, North East, West and South Gippsland and parts of East Gippsland, Northern Country and Wimmera Forecast Districts. Damaging winds of up to 100km/h are possible along with gusty showers and thunder storms.
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VicRoads is reminding road users to take “extreme care” in difficult driving conditions following a weather bureau warning of damaging winds of up 100 km/h along with gusty showers and thunders storms on Tuesday.
The roads authority says wet weather should be a prompt to slow down as driving in wet and windy weather can make it harder to drive safely and urged motorists to match their driving to the weather conditions.
Simple steps to improve road safety in wet and/or windy conditions include:
- Leave a greater distance between your vehicle and the vehicle in front;
- Be alert for other road users who may be difficult to see, such as motorcyclists, cyclists and pedestrians;
- Use low beam headlights during the day if poor weather reduces visibility;
- Obey speed limits, particularly on the West Gate Bridge, as they may be lowered due to high winds;
- If the rain is too heavy for your wipers to cope, the best course of action is to pull over and wait until visibility improves;
- Traffic slows during wet and windy weather and that’s a good thing – people need to drive to the conditions;
- Secure your load;
- Keep your car roadworthy – in particular, check tyres, windscreen wipers and brake lights on a regular basis;
- Most importantly – be patient;
- Plan your journey and monitor VicTraffic for road condition updates.
EARLIER: Central Victoria remains on watch for wild weather, with damaging winds still forecast for the region.
A severe weather warning issued by the Bureau of Meteorology on Monday remains in place, predicting gusty showers and possible thunderstorms.
Localised damaging winds with gusts of up to around 90km/h are possible from late this morning.
Snow falls are forecast above 400 metres rising to 800 metres this afternoon. Snow fell across the Macedon Ranges region on Monday.
Bendigo is headed for a top of 11 degrees with showers and possible hail – Castlemaine 10; Redesdale & Maryborough 11; Echuca 12; and Kyneton 9.
A warning to sheep graziers also remains in place for central Victoria.
The State Emergency Service advises that people should:
- Move vehicles under cover or away from trees;
- Secure or put away loose items around your house, yard and balcony;
- Keep clear of fallen power lines.
Ashley Fritsch
Journalist for the Bendigo Advertiser. Love country living, my two children (retriever and a foxy), reading and sunny days. Email: ashley.fritsch@fairfaxmedia.com.au
Journalist for the Bendigo Advertiser. Love country living, my two children (retriever and a foxy), reading and sunny days. Email: ashley.fritsch@fairfaxmedia.com.au
