Severe weather 22 October 2025

Update 21/10/2025 5:15pm

Wind gusts of more than 120km/h are forecast for some regions, including the outer suburbs of Melbourne and Mornington Peninsula, with strong winds predicted for most of the state.

The Bureau of Meteorology has extended a severe weather warning for damaging winds for all regions.

United Energy's Head of Network Control and Operations Christopher Murn said extra field crews, controllers, dispatchers and contact centre specialists were being mobilised in preparation for tomorrow’s weather.

“Extreme winds like these are rare, but when they hit, they dramatically increase the risk of trees, branches or debris damaging our network and causing localised outages,” Mr Murn said.

“Victorians can act too by preparing for power outages as part of their emergency plan.”

Mr Murn encouraged people to take steps now to be ready for Wednesday’s forecasted weather.

“Know what you would do if the power does go out – charge your phones, laptops and other devices, know how to open your garage door manually, and know where to turn for information,” he said.

“Make sure you are ready to enact your backup plan if you rely on life support equipment or need electrical items to care for others and have water available if your supply relies on power.”

Mr Murn reminded people that severe winds can bring down powerlines.

“Beware of fallen powerlines and always assume they are live,” he said.

“If you do find a fallen line, stay at least 10 metres away from them and contact us immediately on 132 099.”

Customers are encouraged to sign up for outage alerts.

“Our networks are designed to cope with strong winds, but extreme conditions like those forecast increase the risk of power outages so preparation is essential,” Mr Murn said.

Advice on how to prepare

Be Safe.

• Have a back-up plan ready if you rely on life support equipment or need electrical items to care for babies, the disabled, elderly or pets.
• Plan to keep food safe. Set your fridge to 5 degrees (5°C) or below. An unopened fridge will keep food for about four hours.
• Have plenty of drinking water available if your supply relies on power.

Be Smart.

• Sign up for SMS notifications about power supplies and choose your preferences for who you want to receive them at www.unitedenergy.com.au/notify
• Download the VicEmergency app and keep emergency phone numbers handy.
• Know how to connect computers and tablets to your mobile phone’s hotspot.
• Back-up computer files.
• Know how to open electric garage doors and gates manually.

Be Ready.

• Charge mobile phones, laptops and portable back-up batteries.
• If you plan to use a generator, make sure it’s fully fuelled, operational and that you know how to safely operate it.
• Have a battery-powered radio available for real time news updates.
• Keep battery-powered lamps or torches handy.