Vic: High winds expected with strong cold front
Fri Aug 7 05:18:20 EST 2009
Eds: Alters speed of wind gusts referred to in second par on updated Bureau of Meteorology advice
MELBOURNE, Aug 6 AAP - A strong cold front is expected to blast Victoria with wind gusts up to 120km/h early on Friday morning.
The Bureau of Meteorology has issued a severe weather warning for all Victorian forecast districts except the Mallee region for sustained winds of 60km/h and gusts of up to 110km/h.
More powerful squalls up to 120km/h along with showers, hail and thunder are expected with and immediately behind the cold southwesterly change, which will reach Melbourne about 4am (AEST), BoM senior forecaster Phil King said.
"Strong squalls will last into the morning but moderate in the afternoon. The most damage, if there is damage, will be done on the front," he told AAP.
"Coastal areas will be worst hit but the warning is out for the whole state."
The State Emergency Service has warned householders to secure or store loose items around the house, yard or balcony.
