THE Bureau of Meteorology is warning West Gippslanders of a thunderstorm bringing strong winds forecast to hit the region this afternoon.

The Bureau issued a severe thunderstorm warning and a severe weather warning for the region this morning, forecasting damaging winds of around 65 km/h with peak gusts of around 100 km/h.

Winds are expected to ease after mid afternoon.

The State Emergency Service has advised people to keep clear of fallen power lines, to secure loose objects outdoors, to avoid using phones and sheltering under trees during the storm, to switch off computers and to stay indoors if possible.

St Kilda recorded wind gusts of 105 km/h this morning.

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