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Wild weather, including a mini-tornado, hit Melbourne's eastern suburbs overnight testing emergency services already stretched by Victoria's bushfires. State Emergency Service (SES) Central Duty Officer Michael Potter said about 160 SES volunteers worked through the night, to answer about 500 calls for assistance from residents.
The worst storm damage was in suburban Blackburn about 6pm (AEDT) yesterday, but a surge of calls also came from nearby Nunawading and Croydon. "A mini-tornado went through Main Street, Blackburn, and caused extensive damage ... There were roofs with holes, trees uprooted and power lines were downed," Mr Potter said early today. "We've had quite a number of our volunteers assisting with the fires so this has come at the wrong time."
There also were reports of flash flooding, and Mr Potter said more stormy weather was forecast for today and the weekend. The Bureau of Meteorology has a current "severe thunderstorm warning" issued for Melbourne, and it warns residents to be prepared for high winds and even flash flooding. "Severe thunderstorms have redeveloped over the Central District.
Wind gusts to 110 kph are possible with these thunderstorms," says the warning, issued at 5.40am today. "Localised heavy rainfall is also possible." Loose objects on properties - such as picnic umbrellas - should be secured and residents should stay indoors and away from possible falling tree branches. Motorists should not attempt to drive through flooded streets, the bureau said.
Originally posted by Occy Anonymous
reply to post by OzWeatherman
Aha, I was hoping you would turn up.
Thanks for letting us non meteorologists know what's up. It just seems to me these "crazy" weather patterns are getting a lot more press coverage then usual. Could just be going with an apocalyptic theme for ratings though...