Residents in the high country and East Gippsland region of the Australian state of Victoria have been warned of a potential thunderstorm asthma event as a cooler change crosses the state. An epidemic thunderstorm asthma warning has been issued for large swathes of Victoria, with hot weather set to give way to wild winds. Victoria’s Department of Health has forecast a “high risk” for epidemic thunderstorm asthma across the Northern Country, North Central, North East, and East Gippsland districts on Saturday. A cooler change is expected to cross the state from the west, creating the potential for severe thunderstorms with damaging winds, possible large hail, and heavy rain in central and eastern areas in the afternoon and evening. The winds, combined with high to extreme pollen levels, increase the risk a large number of people may develop asthma symptoms over a short period of time. A thunderstorm asthma event in Melbourne …