Alyssa Fritzlaff
The Latrobe Valley has been lashed by wild weather since Thursday night.
Damaging winds have been sweeping across Gippsland and are expected to ease over western districts mid morning, clearing the coasts in the evening.
Wind gusts of up to 98km/h an hour were recorded this morning in the Valley.
There are reports of trees down throughout the region, in areas such as Moe/Newborough, Morwell, Traralgon, Budgeree, Hazelwood North, Churchill, Glengarry, Toongabbie and Trafalgar.
AusNet is reporting power outages in parts of Moe, Moe South, Traralgon, Tyers, Yallourn North, Westbury, Narracan, Gormandale, Willung South, Carrajung, Jeeralang Junction, Churchill and Tanjil South.
Conditions are expected to ease later this afternoon, with the Bureau of Meteorology predicting winds to decrease to 25 to 35 km/h.
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.
