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METEOROLOGISTS have issued a severe weather warning for parts of central Victoria for Thursday night as the public is warned about the danger of thunderstorm asthma.
The Bureau of Meteorology is warning of damaging winds through areas including Maryborough.
Showers and thunderstorms are also forecast to develop on Thursday and should ease over western districts by sunrise on Friday.
Bendigo is expected to see showers into the evening and through the next day with up to 5mm of rain, the BOM believes.
It could also be hit by a "gusty thunderstorm" at some point in the afternoon and people are being urged to closely monitor conditions given the risk of asthma events.
Severe wind warning issued for much of Victoria. Image: SUPPLIED
The State Emergency Service advises that people should:
- 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.
- Be aware - heat, fire or recent storms may make trees unstable and more likely to fall when it's windy or wet.
- Check that loose items, such as outdoor settings, umbrellas and trampolines are safely secured. 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.
- Stay away from fallen powerlines - always assume they are live.
- Be aware that in fire affected areas, rainfall run-off into waterways may contain debris such as ash, soil, trees and rocks. Heavy rainfall may also increase the potential for landslides and debris across roads.
- Stay informed: Monitor weather warnings, forecasts and river levels at the Bureau of Meteorology website, and warnings through VicEmergency website/app/hotline.
Earlier
A HIGH risk thunderstorm asthma warning has been issued for the Mallee, South West and Wimmera weather districts.
Victoria's Deputy Chief Health Officer, Dr Angie Bone advised the storm would move through those parts of the state on Thursday.
A low/moderate thunderstorm asthma forecast has been issued for the rest of the state.
The combination of forecast high grass pollen levels and thunderstorms with strong winds means that there is a chance that a large number of people may develop asthma symptoms over a short period of time.
Health and emergency services are monitoring the situation closely and are ready to respond.
Our hospitals are experiencing significant demand due to COVID-19, so it's important you stay well.
You can protect yourself and those in your care by following these simple steps:
- Monitor the epidemic thunderstorm asthma risk forecast on the VicEmergency app;
- Avoid being outdoors in a storm, especially the winds that precede them;
- Take your preventative medication as directed, even when you're symptom free;
- Carry your reliever and know how to manage an asthma attack. Follow your asthma action plan or use asthma first aid.
Call Nurse on Call on 1300 60 60 24 or see your local doctor if you require medical advice.
Call triple zero (000) immediately if someone is not breathing, if their asthma suddenly becomes worse or is not improving, or if the person is having an asthma attack and a reliever puffer is not available.
For up-to-date information visit the VicEmergency website or download the VicEmergency App.
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