A severe weather warning has been issued across the state last night as destructive winds are set to hit Melbourne this weekend.

North-westerly gusts of wind are expected to peak over 100km/h will hit the city, with average gusts potentially reaching 60 to 70km/h.

Melbourne airport has already seen winds hitting 90km/h at around 4:30am today as well as Mount William in the Grampians, which saw winds reach 111km/h.

The full force of the gales could last all day, with rain also on the cards for the upcoming weekend.

Showers are expected to begin tonight and continue throughout Saturday when the heaviest of the storm will hit the city.

Thunderstorms and hail are a possibility for Saturday afternoon, with the rain then expected to ease and possible showers on Sunday.

The Australian Bureau of Meteorology issued a severe weather warning earlier this morning for ‘Damaging Northerly Winds’ after the Bureau’s Melbourne Airport weather station recorded the windiest July in 20 years.

The extreme winds have the potential to bring down branches or trees and are expected to bring in dust and a drop in temperatures this weekend.

The State Emergency Service advised Victorians to keep clear of fallen power lines, move vehicles under cover and away from trees.

Home owners have also been told to secure or put away loose items around houses, yards and balconies.

Wind-surfer against rain-soaked Melbourne skyline By Robyn Cox available at https://www.flickr.com/photos/rcoxxie/12973618515  and used under a Creative Commons Attribution.