Towns to Ballarat's east are warned to batten down the hatches, with damaging winds forecast to hit the region on Thursday.
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The Bureau of Meteorology issued a severe weather warning on Wednesday morning, with areas including Daylesford currently in the warning zone.
"North to northwesterly winds are increasing ahead of an approaching cold front during Wednesday, peaking in strength as the cold front is passing during Thursday," the warning reads.
"Damaging winds, averaging 65 km/h with peak gusts of around 90 km/h are likely over the Otways and the Surf Coast, and the central ranges from the early hours of Thursday, then extending to the eastern ranges during Thursday morning."
The winds are expected to ease on Thursday afternoon.
Meanwhile, an 'Advice' message for a minor flood watch has been issued for the Moorabool, Barwon and Leigh Rivers.
The State Emergency Service advises minor flooding is possible from Thursday for the catchments.
"A frontal system will bring rainfall to the Flood Watch area from Thursday evening into Friday. Further rainfall is forecast during Saturday," the message said.
"Catchments in the Flood Watch area are wet as a result of the recent rainfall, with elevated river levels within some catchments."
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.
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