Damaging winds tipped to hit Ballarat and Hepburn Shire

Strong northerly winds are expected to hit Ballarat and the Hepburn Shire at the weekend.

The Bureau of Meteorology has issued a severe weather warning, with damaging northerly winds - averaging 60 to 70kmh with peak gusts of about 90kmh - expected to hit the region early on Saturday afternoon.

Other locations expected to be hit include Hamilton, Portland, Mt Baw Baw, Mt Buller, Mt Hotham and Falls Creek.

It will be a cold and wet few days ahead for Ballarat, according to Weatherzone.

Temperatures are expected to only reach a top of 14 degrees on Saturday, before lowering to 12 degrees on Sunday, 10 on Monday and 11 on Tuesday.

With the impending windy weather, the State Emergency Service advises people should:

* Be aware that trees that have been damaged by heat or fire may be unstable and more likely to fall when it is windy or wet.

* Check that loose items such as outdoor settings, umbrellas and trampolines are safely secured and move vehicles under cover or away from trees.

* Stay indoors and away from windows.

* If outdoors, move to a safe place indoors. Stay away from trees, drains, gutters, creeks and waterways.

* If driving conditions are dangerous, safely pull over away from trees, drains, low-lying areas and floodwater. Avoid travel if possible.

* Stay safe by avoiding dangerous hazards, such as floodwater, mud, debris, damaged roads and fallen trees.

* Stay away from fallen powerlines always assume they are live.

* Stay informed monitor weather warnings, forecasts and river levels at the Bureau of Meteorology website, and warnings through VicEmergency.