Major winter storm front approaches after a busy few days for volunteers

Communities across Victoria are being urged to brace for one of this winter’s most significant storm fronts,
with damaging winds expected to impact much of the state from today and into Wednesday morning.

Following a Severe Weather Warning issued by the Bureau of Meteorology on Monday, Victoria State
Emergency Service ( VICSES) is calling on communities in regional and metropolitan Victoria to take steps to
prepare their property for forecast wind gusts of up to 100 km/h today and into tomorrow.

The front is expected to develop over elevated areas in the western, central and Alpine parts of the state from
this morning, with gusts forecast to strengthen throughout the day to an average of up to 70km/h by the
afternoon.

Gusts of up to 100km/h could extend into lower elevations including Melbourne’s northwestern suburbs from
the afternoon and overnight Tuesday into Wednesday morning.

At higher elevations, particularly near Victoria’s Alpine peaks, destructive winds with gusts of up to 130 km/h
are possible overnight Tuesday.

With the potential for damaging winds widespread across the state,  community members are encouraged to
secure loose items such as outdoor furniture and trampolines, and ensure their vehicles are parked away
from trees.

Motorists should also avoid driving through heavily treed areas during periods of high winds, and remain
vigilant to the risk of fallen trees and debris if travel is unavoidable.

The forecast winds follow a storm front which impacted large parts of Victoria on Sunday evening, with gusts
toppling trees and large hailstones reported in several locations.

In the time period from midday Sunday to this morning, VICSES volunteers have been paged to almost 600
requests for assistance (RFAs), more than 300 of which were related to trees down, while 160 related to
building damage.

VICSES Emerald Unit volunteers received 60 RFAs during this period, while Whitehorse (44), Bendigo (32),
Heidelberg (33) and Wangaratta (25) Units were each kept busy.

In total, 94 VICSES Units attended RFAs as the storm swept across the state with widespread impact.

For up to date emergency information, visit https://emergency.vic.gov.au/respond, and for emergency
assistance, contact VICSES on 132 500.

Quotes attributable to Tim Wiebusch, VICSES Chief Operations Officer

“It’s important for community members to act now to take steps to protect their lives and property ahead of the
forecast adverse weather, and in turn reduce their likelihood of needing emergency VICSES assistance.

“VICSES volunteers are highly trained and always ready to support their communities in times of emergency,
and will continue to do so as we see the most significant cold front this winter."