Damaging winds forecast to lash Victoria

Victorians will need to hold onto their hats as a strong cold front brings damaging winds on Saturday.

Wind gusts up to 100km/h are expected in elevated parts of eastern Victoria, in the southwest and central coast and south Gippsland by Saturday afternoon.

The Bureau of Meteorology's severe weather warning says affected areas may include Warrnambool, Portland, Wonthaggi, Falls Creek, Mt Hotham and Mt Buller.

"All of Victoria will experience a pretty cold day with that front moving through with cold and squally westerly winds," senior forecaster Peter Newham said.

"It will be pretty windy across the state."

The State Emergency Service urges residents to move vehicles under cover, secure loose items and keep clear of fallen powerlines.