Severe weather in the form of damaging winds and heavy rain is making its way into the state today. Strong winds may gust up to 110 km/h from this afternoon, only sparing the Mallee District. The alpine areas are expected to receive higher wind gusts, potentially up to 130km/h in places. A gale force wind warning is in place for western and central waters, with remaining VIC waters under a strong wind warning today. The rain and thunderstorms should reach northern and central Victorian districts by late this afternoon bringing widespread falls of 20mm. The potential for heavy downpours has prompted a floodwatch for northeastern and north Central Victorian catchments. The gusty system will continue east during Friday morning, focusing the heaviest rain along the northeast ranges, with the chance of isolated falls greater than 50mm possible. The wild weather is attributed to a unique set up whereby, a trough ahead of a cold front will pass over the state this afternoon. A deep low pressure system will continue to brush the western Victorian coasts before slipping southwards towards western Tasmania coast on Friday. As this system passes, the cool air will be left in it's wake, with VIC residents really feeling the chill over the weekend.