WEDNESDAY, 2.40pm: VicRoads is urging drivers to take extra care with destructive weather expected to hit parts of the state this afternoon.

The Bureau of Meteorology has issued a severe weather warning for damaging winds across most of Victoria through Wednesday and early Thursday.

Drivers should beware of falling branches and debris on the road and move parked cars under cover - away from trees.

When travelling with a load in a ute, trailer or truck, ensure it is secure. Debris often causes road closures and disruptions, and can lead to serious injury.

Heavy snowfall is also expected in the Alpine areas from tonight. People heading to the ski fields are required to carry snow chains, and fit them when directed to do so.

For the latest traffic information around the state visit traffic.vicroads.vic.gov.au

WEDNESDAY, 10.45am: A severe weather warning that covers most of Victoria now includes Bendigo.

The warning forecast damaging and destructive winds for the Central, Mallee, South West, North Central, Wimmera and parts of East Gippsland, Northern Country, North East and West and South Gippsland forecast districts.

Strong northerly winds are expected to develop as a cold front moves over Victoria today, reaching the west of the state mid-late afternoon, central parts in the evening and clearing the east Thursday morning.

Winds averaging 60 to 70 km/h with peak gusts of 90 to 100 km/h are expected to develop in elevated areas above 800m.

Locations which may be affected include Mildura, Swan Hill, Horsham, Bendigo, Hamilton, Warrnambool, Portland, Kyneton, Ballarat, Mt Buller, Mt Hotham and Falls Creek.

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, and keep clear of fallen power lines;

The next severe weather warning will be issued by 5pm.

TUESDAY, 9.15pm: Wind gusts of up to 100km/h are expected to hit parts of central Victoria as a cold front moves through on Wednesday.

The Bureau of Meteorology has issued a damaging wind warning for areas around Castlemaine, Kyneton and Daylesford for late afternoon and evening.

Winds are expected to average 60-70 km/h with gusts of up to 100km/h in high country above 800 metres.

Gusts of up to 90 km/h are expected in parts of the Wimmera, with showers or thunderstorms possible.

The cold front will move across Victoria from mid-afternoon on Wednesday and clear to the east by Thursday morning.

The State Emergency Service advises that people should:

The next update is expected at 11pm on Tuesday.

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