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SEVERE fire dangers and damaging winds are expected over parts of Victoria on Thursday, the Bureau of Meteorology has said.
A spokesperson said hot, dry and windy conditions ahead of a trough are causing severe fire dangers across parts of northern-western Victoria.
The warning for damaging winds across Ararat, Kyneton, Ballarat, Daylesford, and Falls Creek is also still in place.
"These winds are possibly strong enough to bring down trees and powerlines," the spokesperson said.
"Rain and thunderstorms will continue Friday night and Saturday, spreading into Victoria during the day and increasing at night.
"Moderate to heavy falls are possible, dependent on the track and intensity of the low."
You can stay up-to-date with weather updates online at bom.gov.au
Earlier
Damaging winds averaging 60 to 70 km/h with peak gusts of around 90 km/h are possible in parts of central Victoria.
A low pressure trough is forecast to enter western Victoria this afternoon, reaching central districts later at night before crossing eastern Victoria on Friday morning.
More news:
Winds are expected to ease below warning threshold over western and central areas during Thursday night, then over the eastern ranges before dawn on Friday.
Locations which may be affected include Ararat, Kyneton, Ballarat, Daylesford, and Falls Creek.
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.
The next Severe Weather Warning will be issued by 11:00 am.
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