Parts of southern and eastern Victoria are on alert for strong winds Tuesday evening and Wednesday morning, with gusts of up to 90 km / h possible in coastal and elevated parts of the warning area, including the subway. of Melbourne.
Exposed coastal sites and the Latrobe Valley could experience wind speeds of more than 70 km / h, while gusts of 100 km / h are expected to reach alpine peaks.
It comes after Hogan Island and Wilsons Headland recorded gusts of 130 km / h and 100 km / h respectively in 24 hours at 9 a.m. Tuesday.
Strong winds were accompanied by heavy rains northeast of Victoria, where Hunters Hill recorded 41 millimeters of rain. Osbornes Flat was the second wettest place in the state with 37 millimeters recorded in the same period.
Rain is expected to reach the south coast of Victoria on Wednesday before a high-pressure system brings a drier climate from the west. The relief, however, could be short-lived, with another cold front expected to arrive in Victoria on Friday.
Snow resorts across the state were covered in a thick layer of snow on Tuesday morning as companies and ski operators began preparations for the start of the season.
It was still snowing heavily in Mount Buller when The Age spoke to George’s Ski Hire owner Rob Aivatoglou on Tuesday morning.
Carlie Hung fishing in Port Melbourne. Credit: Darrian Traynor
Aivatoglou said it was not uncommon for snowstorms to fall in April and May, but that the station will open next week, the timing of the cold arrival was ideal.
“The forecast is really very promising. They ask for about 20 centimeters in the next 48 hours,” he said.
“I think if it snowed 15 inches, the company would plan to open one or two more ski lifts for this coming Saturday.”
After losing two snow seasons due to the blockade of COVID-19, Aivatoglou said the prospect of opening a week earlier was wonderful, but the shortage of staff affecting local businesses could be a challenge before an intense season.
“In all the mountain industries it has been difficult to find staff. The elevator company, the supermarket, the ski rental and the hospitality industry have found the consultations slower than we would like,” he said.
“Early snow correlates with bookings. People are starting to book their holidays, make their plans and close them. So that’s always good news for all operators.”
Mount Buller spokeswoman Rhylla Morgan said the resort had not yet decided whether to open a week earlier, but was preparing for one of its busiest seasons to date.
He said weekend accommodation at the resort was starting to be booked until spring and encouraged people to plan a weekday trip to the slopes to secure a spot.
The office predicts that large parts of the state will be affected by harmful winds. Credit: Eddie Jim
“It’s wonderful to have such a heavy snowfall at the exact moment we need it. We’re definitely excited about the forecast,” Morgan said.
“We’ll take it one day at a time. We have a lot to prepare for to welcome our guests for the season.”
Falls Creek Resort recorded more than 20 inches of snow in 24 hours through Tuesday morning, but so far they have also ruled out opening the ski slopes before the official launch of the snow season on June 11. .
Stuart Smythe, executive director of the resort, said the winter explosion had generated anticipation for the winter season.
The Antarctic explosion has caused 22 inches of snow to fall on Falls Creek in the past 24 hours. Credit: Falls Creek Resort
“After two years of uncertainty, our residents, stakeholders and business operators look forward to seeing Australia’s best alpine village again full of guests and snow sports enthusiasts,” he said.
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