Victorians face extreme weather threat (updated with links 19:30)

Victorians will face severe storm and fire weather on Monday night, Tuesday and Wednesday, consisting of extremely high winds across the whole of the State. This will be compounded by ongoing fires and dry conditions.

Victorians will face severe storm and fire weather on Monday night, Tuesday and Wednesday, consisting of extremely high winds across the whole of the State.

Bob Cameron, Minister for Police and Emergency Services, and the state’s emergency services chiefs, have warned all Victorians that the predicted onset of increasing temperatures and strong northerly winds on Monday night mean that everyone, right across the state, needs to be prepared.

“The State Government is working with all of the authorities to provide accurate and timely information to help Victorians make the most appropriate plans as early as possible to deal with these extreme conditions,” Minister Cameron said.

“Victorians need to closely monitor updates on ABC radio and closely work with the emergency services over coming days to protect life and property. Keep an eye out for your neighbours and check on the elderly and people with special needs.”

The extreme conditions will continue on Tuesday and into Wednesday, with the onset of high winds as part of a south-easterly weather change, this weather change will cause additional threats for the fire services and the public.

CFA’s Chief Officer, Russell Rees, informed Victorians that there is a Total Fire Ban for the whole state of Victoria today and most likely for Tuesday. Mr Rees appealed to the public to continue to stay vigilant, and to have a well-practised fire plan.

“It is critically important that with the weather conditions starting on Monday night, people consider activating their fire plans, including the decision to leave, on Monday, not Tuesday, when it could be too late," he said.

"You should contact a friend or relative, or seek other safe alternate accommodation if your decision is to leave and, on arrival, contact Red Cross to register your new address on 1800 727 077.” Mr Rees advised those intending to leave should arrive at their destination during daylight hours on Monday.

Craige Brown, DSE's Acting Chief Fire Officer, said people living in the general areas of the Upper Yarra Valley and between Woods Point and Jamieson should be on high alert over coming days.

Trevor White, VICSES Director of Operations, advised that due to the strong winds Victorians need to ensure that items around their property such as outdoor furniture and play ground equipment is secured.

“People should not park or shelter under trees, and only contact VICSES on 132 500 when there is a need for assistance to access or leave property. VICSES is not a home maintenance service and residents should only call 132 500 when essential assistance is needed to make their property safe.”

People are also advised to purchase a battery operated radio and torch, and to tune to ABC Radio for updates and alerts.

Steve Fontana, Assistant Commissioner Victoria Police warned that “the state also faces potential localised and regional power disruptions that may impact home communications and lighting. These disruptions may also affect public transport with road, train, and pedestrian crossings impacted,” he said.

“The public is advised to keep travel to a minimum. Driving in fire affected areas is extremely dangerous and should be avoided. Safety must be the utmost consideration and when on the road please be patient and give way to emergency services vehicles”.

Schools across the state are assessing their risk plans and some may close as they did on Friday.

For further information go to:

www.vic.gov.au or call 1800 240 667 – Victorian Bushfire and Storm Information Line (VBIL)

In emergencies call 000. For storm assistance call 132 500.

All media enquiries: CFA Media 5330 3124

Related links:
The Age - 'Brumby's bushfire warning: leave early' report (includes video)
Herald Sun - 'State braces for the worst tomorrow'
The Age - 'We're not crying wolf' : fires, high winds to hit state tonight' (includes video)
Media release - Fire danger is not over