Craig Butt August 08, 2012
Gale-force winds of almost 100km/h have blasted through Melbourne this morning, bringing with them an icy change that will hit in time for the afternoon commute.
Melburnians had been on the receiving end of the strong northerly winds ahead of a cold front that is expected to hit about 4pm today, Bureau of Meteorology spokesman Terry Ryan said.
"We've probably had the windiest period, and the winds will ease this afternoon."
Winds of 90km/h have been recorded throughout Melbourne this morning, with 93km/h gusts recorded at Melbourne Airport.
Severe weather warnings were issued for southern and mountain areas, with gusts of up to 100km/h forecast in the Dandenongs and Mount Macedon.
Winds around Melbourne are expected to ease to 30 to 40 km/h this morning and die down further throughout the day.
Light showers of five to 10 millimetres are forecast for today, with the maximum temperature expected to reach 14 degrees.
Mr Ryan said it would not be as windy tomorrow: "Tomorrow's wind will be round about the 40km/h mark but there will be more frequent showers."
A State Emergency Service spokesman said there had been several calls about trees down because of the strong winds between midnight and 5am this morning.