UPDATE, Friday, 8.30am: Sheep graziers are warned that cold temperatures, showers and strong westerly winds are expected during Friday. Areas likely to be affected include the North Central, North East and South West forecast districts and parts of the Wimmera, Central and West and South Gippsland forecast districts. There is a risk of losses of lambs and sheep exposed to these conditions.

UPDATE, THURSDAY, 6pm: The weather warning issued for parts of central Victoria still remains in place.

Northerly winds will become strong and gusty over parts of the state ahead of a cold front which will cross the state later on Friday morning.

Damaging winds averaging 60-70 km/h with peak gusts of around 90 km/h are expected to continue about elevated areas of the state during today, as well as through southern central parts. Winds will ease in the early hours of tomorrow morning.

UPDATE, THURSDAY, 10:20am: Sheep graziers are warned that cold temperatures, rain and showers and strong northwesterly winds are expected during Thursday and Friday.

Areas likely to be affected include the North Central, North East and South West forecast districts and parts of the Wimmera, Central and West and South Gippsland forecast districts.

There is a risk of losses of lambs and sheep exposed to these conditions.

UPDATE, THURSDAY, 8.25am: A severe weather warning remains in place for parts of Victoria including Maryborough, Castlemaine and Kyneton.

A cold front is expected to cross the state over Thursday and Friday, bringing winds averaging between 60 and 70km/h.

Winds will develop over the far west and Alpine areas from late morning.

The strong winds are expected to ease over western Victoria during Thursday evening but isolated thunderstorms may still produce some strong wind squalls.

The State Emergency Service advises people to move vehicles under cover or away from trees; secure loose items around your house and yard; and keep clear of fallen power lines.

The next Severe Weather Warning will be issued by 11:00 am AEST Thursday.

UPDATE, WEDNESDAY 5.30pm: Strong and gusty northerly winds will strengthen ahead of a cold front which will hit the state late Thursday and early Friday morning.

Damaging winds averaging 60 to 70 km/h with peak gusts around 90km/h are expected to develop in elevated areas of the state during Thursday –  developing over the far west and also the alpine areas from late morning and across the remainder of the area in the afternoon and evening.

Wind gusts in the alpine area are expected to peak between 100-110 km/h on Thursday night.

Over lower lying areas within the warning area, isolated wind gusts measuring approximately 90 km/h are possible during Thursday afternoon and evening.

Winds will largely ease over western Victoria during Thursday evening, isolated thunderstorms may still produce some strong wind squalls.

Maryborough, Castlemaine, Daylesford and Kyneton are among the towns that lie within the warning area.

EARLIER: Parts of the region are warned to prepare for damaging winds, with the Bureau of Meteorology issuing a severe weather warning for Thursday.

Damaging winds averaging 60 to 70 km/h, with peak gusts of around 90 km/h, are expected to develop about elevated areas of the state.

Over lower lying areas within the warning area, wind gusts around 90 km/h are possible during Thursday afternoon and evening.

The State Emergency Service advises that people should