Severe weather warning: Cyclone-strength gusts to batter the region

A severe weather warning has been issued for much of Victoria, with damaging and potentially destructive winds forecast for tomorrow.

A deepening low-pressure system off the southern coast of South Australia is expected to rapidly intensify overnight before moving east across the state.

The Bureau of Meteorology warns that west to south-westerly winds averaging 60 to 80kmh, with gusts of up to 120kmh, are likely to develop over the far southwest from early Wednesday.

Cyclonic conditions are defined as sustained gusts of wind averaging more than 63kmh.

The strongest gusts — up to 130kmh — are possible along the coast west of Cape Otway late in the morning and throughout the afternoon, before conditions shift eastward across southern parts of the central district, including Ballarat and Geelong. Winds are expected to ease over central areas in the evening and the southeast by Thursday morning.

The State Emergency Service is urging people to take precautions and stay informed.

People are advised to avoid driving if conditions are dangerous, and to pull over safely away from trees, drains and floodwater if travel is unavoidable.

Residents should secure loose outdoor items such as furniture, umbrellas and trampolines, and move vehicles under cover where possible.

Everyone is encouraged to stay indoors and away from windows, and to keep clear of fallen trees and powerlines, which should always be treated as live.

Heavy rain may also cause landslides or debris on roads, particularly in fire-affected areas.

Weather warnings and updates can be monitored via the Bureau of Meteorology and VicEmergency websites or apps.