Careful people!

Wild winds on way for Melbourne

Hamish Townsend
September 15, 2008 - 7:57AM

After a brief taste of spring, Melbourne is set to be blasted by wild weather today as gale-force winds and a cold front buffet the city.

A severe weather warning has been issued with a second cold front predicted to slam into the city later today, bringing the threat of thunderstorms, hail and very strong winds.

Gusts of up to 100kmh an hour have been reported at Colac and Mt William and 85kmh at Port Fairy.

The Bureau of Meteorology has forecast localised damaging winds for all southern and mountain districts.

Winds averaging 55 to 70 kmh are forecast with gusts of up to 100 kmh possible, the bureau said.

The first of two cold fronts that built in the Great Australian Bight hit the city overnight.

A second front with even higher winds and rain is expected around 4pm.

An SES spokesman said its volunteers had handled over 100 incidents across the state, including 21 in Melbourne, but describe the morning as "reasonably quiet".

The SES have advised drivers to be on alert for fallen debris, to ensure all loose items and outdoor furniture is secured, to stay away from possible fallen powerlines and to very careful if heading out to sea.

Connex, Yarra Trams and Melbourne Airport reported no delays due to the weather.




ps: Geez, why of all days..=(

Oh, weather!

From The Age Online, September 12, 2008.

Brace yourselves: Gale-force winds to buffet state

• Dan Bray
• September 12, 2008 - 12:47PM

Victorians are being warned to brace for wild weather, with gale-force winds set to batter the whole of south-eastern Australia over the weekend and into next week.

- Strong gusts expected
- Dust storms possible
- Little rain likely in drought-affected areas

Northerly gusts of over 100kmh, capable of bringing down trees and damaging crops, are expected to peak on Monday, according to Weatherzone's Tom Saunders.

Dust storms are likely to hit drought-affected areas - but those areas are unlikely to receive much badly needed rainfall.

Most rain is forecast to fall in coastal and mountain areas.

The Bureau of Meteorology has issued a severe weather warning and recommends people secure loose objects near houses and beware of fallen power lines, in line with with State Emergency Services warnings.

The Bureau has also issued a coastal wind warning for all Victorian coastal areas. Seas may reach over four metres offshore, with coastal swells of over three metres expected in the state's west.

******

But I need to go out this weekend. I need that book.. Hmm.. hopefully the winds subside tomorrow..

PS: I suddenly worry when I read about Hurricane Ike churning towards southeast Texas, I pray that you'll be safe always.