The Australian Government Bureau of Meteorology has issued a Severe Weather Warning for the Wimmera and parts of Mallee and South West Forecast Districts for this evening.

A low-pressure trough will move east across Victoria overnight which will bring with it damaging winds.

Severe thunderstorms may produce damaging wind gust of 90 to 100km/h in these areas over the next several hours.

Locations which may be affected include Horsham, Stawell, Warracknabeal, Hamilton, Warrnambool and Portland.

A line of thunderstorms is expected to enter the west of the State at around 8:30 pm and move eastward, with conditions easing following the storms.

A wind gust of 93 km/h was recorded at Murray Bridge (SA) at around 6 pm.

The State Emergency Service advises that people should:
  • Be aware that trees that have been damaged by heat or fire may be unstable and more likely to fall when it is windy or wet.
  • Check that loose item such as outdoor settings, umbrellas and trampolines are safely secured and 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.
  • 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.
  • Stay away from fallen powerlines always assume they are live.
  • Stay informed monitor weather warnings, forecasts and river levels at the Bureau of Meteorology website, and warnings through VicEmergency.
Above - An image from the Australian Government Bureau of Meteorology website of an image from the Rainbow Weather Radar showing the band of storms crossing the South Australian border at around 8.00 pm.