A man is dead and a woman is in critical condition after a tree fell on their car due to strong winds.
The couple were trapped inside the car for more than an hour after a tree fell on Main Road in Gellibrand, 175 kilometres southwest of Melbourne, on Wednesday afternoon.
The male driver died at the scene while his female passenger was airlifted to hospital, where she is fighting for her life.
The man has not yet been formally identified.
An investigation has been launched to determine the exact circumstances of the incident.
Anyone who witnessed the incident or has CCTV or dashcam footage is urged to come forward.
Damaging winds have also caused power outages and fallen trees, and warnings remain in effect across much of the country.
Wind gusts were expected to reach 110km/h on Wednesday, according to Bureau of Meteorology senior meteorologist Angus Hines, with parts of Adelaide, Victoria, Tasmania and New South Wales expected to see gusts of up to 100km/h.
A man has died and a woman is in a critical condition after a tree fell on their car (pictured) in Gellibrand, 175km southwest of Melbourne, on Wednesday.
The male driver died at the scene (pictured) while his female passenger was airlifted to hospital where she is fighting for her life.
“Northern and western parts of Tasmania, including the islands, could see winds of up to 110km/h, as well as the Illawara district in southern New South Wales and potentially some mountain tops in Victoria,” Hines said.
There have already been reports of fallen trees and branches, power outages and damage to loose structures.
‘Power outages remain possible today across the southeastern states, and damage to loose structures such as outdoor furniture, trash cans, fences and trampolines (is) a possibility with strong winds.’
Mr Hines added: “Much of central and southern Victoria will continue to experience damaging wind gusts throughout the day on Wednesday, easing tonight.”
‘Southern New South Wales, including the Illawarra and parts of the Sydney area, will also experience gusty winds this afternoon and evening.’
Victorians were previously warned to “act now” and people in the state’s most tree-lined areas were asked to avoid travel as gusty winds were expected to topple trees.
On Tuesday, Victoria SES operations director Tim Wiebusch said people across the state should act now to secure any loose items in their yards.
“Too often we see outdoor stages, trampolines and the like becoming missiles at these events,” he said.
NSW SES has responded to more than 500 incidents of fallen trees, damaged roofs and downed power lines as damaging winds continue. Image: NSW SES
Victoria SES operations director Tim Wiebusch said: “Too often we see outdoor stages, trampolines and the like turned into missiles at these events.”
She has asked all Victorians to download the Vic Emergency app, which contains the latest advice issued by emergency services.
“Be sure to stay tuned to the warnings,” he said.
‘This advisory message provides all the latest information… on wind phenomena, but also coastal hazard warnings.
‘As a result, we are asking Victorians to remain alert on the roads and ensure they look out for fallen trees and debris over the next 36 hours.’
