Thunderstorm asthma alert for central Victoria as wild weather looms
A "moderate" warning for thunderstorm asthma has been issued for parts of central Victoria as the state braces for a burst of wild weather.
Storms are forecast to hit Melbourne on Tuesday afternoon, but the specific warning for thunderstorm asthma does not extend to the city.
The Health Department and the weather bureau issued the warning for towns including Ballarat, Bendigo, Daylesford and Kyenton, saying they were at "a moderate risk for epidemic thunderstorm asthma".
Those at risk are encouraged to avoid exposure to wind gusts before the storms hit and remind themselves of their asthma action plan.
The weather bureau has warned severe thunderstorms could hit parts of the state on Tuesday amid humid and windy conditions.
The thunderstorm asthma warning was issued via a three-day forecasting service which was first launched at the start of last year's hay fever season, and uses eight pollen monitors across the state and a decade of weather data to predict the likelihood of a thunderstorm asthma event.
It was introduced after nine people died when the weather phenomenon struck in 2016, after grass pollens burst into smaller particles during a thunderstorm, triggering severe asthma in thousands of people across Melbourne.
It was the most deadly outbreak of thunderstorm asthma recorded in the world.
Who is at risk?
Thunderstorm asthma can affect those with asthma or hay fever – especially people who experience wheezing or coughing with their hayfever.
That is why it’s important for people with asthma or hay fever to know about thunderstorm asthma and what they can do to help protect themselves during grass pollen season.
Even if you don't think you have asthma or hay fever, don't ignore symptoms such as wheezing or shortness of breath – check with your GP.
To access the forecasts, Victorians can download the Vic Emergency App or visit: www.emergency.vic.gov.au/prepare
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