Tuesday, June 24, 2014

Strong winds, storms set to lash Melbourne and Victoria - Herald Sun





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The most powerful cold front of the year has dipped the mercury to -5.2C at Falls Creek and delivered a timely snow dump to the Ski Resorts of Australia







GALE-FORCE winds, heavy rain and snow storms have blasted the state leaving at least 80,000 homes without power, a truck and shipping containers overturned, as well as a city bar flooded.



State Emergency Service crews are gearing up for the next wave of panicked calls when drivers hit the roads for the school pick up and to leave the city in peak hour.


The Herald Sun will provide live updates of weather conditions and incidents below as the freezing conditions continue.


The cost of the wild weather continues to be tallied, but includes:


- The State Emergency Service receiving 2100 calls for help since midnight



A car is being cleared at Mt Buller this morning following the huge dump. Pic: Andrew Rai


A car is being cleared at Mt Buller this morning following the huge dump. Picture: Andrew Railton



- The Yarra River flooding, swallowing Southbank’s famous Ponyfish Island bar as well as footpaths, and Queensbridge St


- Train chaos with several lines suspended, including Belgrave, Cranbourne, Hurstbridge, Pakenham, Stony Point PLUS major delays on the Werribee line, minor delays on Craigieburn and Frankston lines - all the latest timetable info here


- A second brick wall collapse in Yarraville, following yesterday’s tragedy


- Blackouts affect at least 60,000 homes across Melbourne


- A barge off Brighton busts its mooring, which is now floating loose with a broken crane


- A truck overturning along the Tullamarine Freeway; shipping containers and a car to flip over in Laverton North


- Port Phillip Bay being whipped into a frenzy


- And finally, something to be happy about in the Alpine regions with thick snow setting up the resorts for the season.


4.27PM: Metro update for homeward bound commuters: Unfortunately, there’s lots of line suspensions. Plus a V-Line train has struck a car at Carnegie, as a result buses will replace trains between Caulfield and Oakleigh. Suspended train lines include Belgrave, Cranbourne, Hurstbridge, Pakenham, Stony Point PLUS there’s major delays on the Werribee line and minor delays on Craigieburn and Frankston lines - check your journey home here


4.20PM: Good news for snow bunnies: the Bureau of Meteorology predicts that one metre of powder will be dumped by midday tomorrow.



It’s alright for some: Dougy Crawford tries his luck at Mt Buller today. Picture: Andrew


It’s alright for some: Dougy Crawford tries his luck at Mt Buller today. Picture: Andrew Railton Source: Supplied



4.05PM: At least 80,000 homes have been without power. SES chief Trevor White said power companies are having trouble fixing some power problems due to blockages from fallen trees and debris. The State Emergency Service has received 2100 calls for help since midnight and crews are gearing up for the next wave of panicked calls when drivers hit the roads for the school pick up and to leave the city in peak hour.



Mornington Pier whipped into a frenzy. Picture: Cameron McCullough, Mornington Peninsula


Mornington Pier whipped into a frenzy. Picture: Cameron McCullough, Mornington Peninsula News Group Source: Supplied



3.53PM: Victoria Police warns drivers to be careful, “We have had reports of cars driving across fallen power lines. Please drive carefully in these windy conditions today!”


3.49PM: The SES received more than 1500 calls from residents in the Melbourne metro area, with most other calls coming from the south-west coast. SES spokeswoman Nicole Alley said the majority of emergency calls were for building damage and trees down on roads. There had also been reports of playground equipment being thrown trough the air and slamming into houses. “One trampoline blew (across) two streets,” Ms Alley said. “It (severe weather) started in the south west this morning and it’s been increasing as it’s moved through the state. It’s certainly kept us busy.” Storm surges were impacting on Warrnambool this afternoon, she said, and crews were on alert as traffic increases.



Flooding at Warrnambool South Kindergarten led to the evacuation of children this afterno


Flooding at Warrnambool South Kindergarten led to the evacuation of children this afternoon. Picture: Supplied Source: Supplied




Tan bark was floating in the outdoor play area before the tide turned and the water soake


Tan bark was floating in the outdoor play area before the tide turned and the water soaked up into the earth. Picture: Supplied Source: Supplied



Tan bark was floating in the outdoor play area before the tide turned and the water soaked up into the earth. Picture: Supplied


3.37PM: South Warrnambool Kindergarten teacher Sandra O’Sullivan said the flood water was knee-deep in some areas surrounding the kindergarten’s Stanley St building and emergency crews had closed some roads. “We have a lot of tan bark in the backyard---that was all floating,” Ms O’Sullivan said. “Parents were rung by council to come and collect their children, just in case the roads flooded,” she said before adding: “The water had subsided since the tide turned.”


3.15PM: Emergency control centres have been set-up in regional areas including Warrnambool, which has been one of the worst areas affected by flooding and damaging winds. Children at South Warrnambool kindergarten have been evacuated amid fears the Merri River could overflow.


2.15PM: Our staff photographers have taken these incredible images of storm damage in Frankston, flooded streets in Melbourne and blocked roads near the summit of Mt Donna Buang.


ARE you caught in wild weather in your area? You can email your pictures to photosvic@news.com.au, or submit via the Herald Sun Facebook page, or on Twitter @theheraldsun.


2.15PM: OUR staff photographers have taken these incredible images of storm damage in Frankston, flooded streets in Melbourne and blocked roads near the summit of Mt Donna Buang.



Flooding on Queensbridge St. Picture: Nicole Garmston


Flooding on Queensbridge St. Picture: Nicole Garmston Source: News Corp Australia




People trapped inside the Headspace Barwon building due to a power line that has fallen o


People trapped inside the Headspace Barwon building due to a power line that has fallen on the entrance. Picture: Mike Dugdale Source: News Corp Australia




A tree fell across cars at Frankston Station. Picture: Chris Eastman


A tree fell across cars at Frankston Station. Picture: Chris Eastman Source: News Corp Australia




Storm damage around the Frankston area. Picture: Chris Eastman


Storm damage around the Frankston area. Picture: Chris Eastman Source: News Corp Australia




Flooding on the Yarra. Picture: Ellen Smith


Flooding on the Yarra. Picture: Ellen Smith Source: News Corp Australia




Road crews are busy at Mt Donna Buang clearing the trees with chainsaws, chains and heavy


Road crews are busy at Mt Donna Buang clearing the trees with chainsaws, chains and heavy vehicles. A grader was also clearing snow and forest debris from the popular tourist road. Picture: Steve Tanner Source: News Corp Australia




Visitors to Mt Donna Buang faced numerous trees blocking access to the summit. Picture: S


Visitors to Mt Donna Buang faced numerous trees blocking access to the summit. Picture: Steve Tanner Source: News Corp Australia



2.02PM: THIS wild weather could be a great disaster movie, in fact, here's one we prepared earlier.


For the full story on our cinematic tribute to Melbourne’s weather, click here.



Cars push through water on Beaconsfield Parade, Middle Park. Picture: Jay Town


Cars push through water on Beaconsfield Parade, Middle Park. Picture: Jay Town Source: News Corp Australia



1.30PM: WIDESPREAD power outages have been recorded across the state.


Every main electricity supplier has recorded outages, with the city least affected.


Some areas are expected to have outages until 4.30pm this afternoon.


Call you power distributor for more information.


Citipower


Coverage area: Melbourne City and inner suburbs


Call: 13 12 80


Jemena


Coverage area: Northern and north-western suburbs


Call: 13 16 26


Powercor


Coverage area: Western suburbs and western Victoria


Call: 13 24 12


SP AusNet


Coverage area: Outer northern and eastern suburbs and eastern Victoria


Call: 13 17 99


United Energy


Coverage area: southern suburbs and Mornington Peninsula


Call: 13 20 99



A barge off Brighton busted its moorings and is now floating about with a broken crane. P


A barge off Brighton busted its moorings and is now floating about with a broken crane. Picture: Wendy of Brighton Source: Supplied




An earlier photo of the loose barge in Brighton. Picture: Jay Town


An earlier photo of the loose barge in Brighton. Picture: Jay Town Source: News Corp Australia



1.15PM: STAFF photographer Richard Serong captured this image of the brick wall that collapsed in Yarraville around 11.30am, injuring one woman.


She remains in the Western Hospital in a stable condition.



High winds have caused this wall to collapse in Williamstown Rd. Picture: Richard Serong


High winds have caused this wall to collapse in Williamstown Rd. Picture: Richard Serong Source: News Corp Australia




The force of the wild winds hasn’t helped those trying to protect themselves against the


The force of the wild winds hasn’t helped those trying to protect themselves against the rain. Picture: Ellen Smith Source: News Corp Australia




This pedestrian had fun battling the weather with his umbrella. Picture : Ellen Smith


This pedestrian had fun battling the weather with his umbrella. Picture: Ellen Smith Source: News Corp Australia



12.55 PM: SKI resorts are getting a boost with the wild weather bringing much-needed falls of snow to what has been an otherwise slow start to the season.


The Bureau of Meteorology said while they haven’t had many reports of snow, Gisborne is believed to be covered with sleet.


Falls Creek received 20cm of snow overnight and 16cm since 6am.


Marketing and communications manager Jo Prothero said while no lifts have been opened yet, they are hoping to have a couple operational tomorrow.


“It’s just in time for the school holidays.”



Weather


Flooding on Queensbridge St. Picture: Nicole Garmston Source: News Corp Australia



12.40PM: POWER outages have now hit over 60,000 homes across Melbourne.


Lyall Johnson from Powercor told 3AW customers in Bacchus Marsh, Colac, Werribee, Glen Waverley, Mornington and Frankston areas are without power.


12.35PM: FIERCE winds have lead to a truck rolling on the Tullamarine Freeway plus the overturning of a shipping container and car in Laverton North.


12.31 PM: METRO has suspended trains between Bell and South Morang as the wild weather continues to create chaos for commuters and drivers.


Fallen trees along the line are currently preventing trains from passing through.


12.24 PM: AUSTRALIAN ski resorts are lapping up the wild weather, with snow expected to fall throughout the week.


Mt Hotham received 50cm in the last 24 hours, with another 20cm forecast for the rest of today.


One lift has been opened, the Summit Trainer, with another two, Upper Playground and Big D, will open this afternoon.



Flooding around Southbank. Picture: David Caird.


Flooding around Southbank. Picture: David Caird. Source: News Corp Australia



Mt Hotham resort brand manager Connie Lurger said they are hoping to have a few more chairlifts available tomorrow.


“We are just assessing the situation at the moment,” she said.


“Our snow teams are working tirelessly to get more up and running.”


She said the mass dumping came at the right time after having a late start to the ski season.


“The amount of snowfall we’ve had in such a short period of time is just incredible. It’s definitely started with a bang.”


She said a new cold front moving in on Saturday should bring another 25cm to the mountain.



The wild weather hits Ponyfish Island. Picture: David Caird.


The wild weather hits Ponyfish Island. Picture: David Caird. Source: News Corp Australia



12:20PM: SOUTHBANK’S famous Ponyfish Island bar might be in trouble if this weather persists. (Picture via Peter Woolsey)


12:17PM: THE winds are whipping Port Phillip Bay into a frenzy. (Video via Matt from Williamstown)


12.10PM: A WOMAN aged in her 60s, has suffered minor injuries after gale force winds knocked over a brick wall as she walked along Williamstown Rd in Yarraville about 11.30am.


Paramedics treated the woman at the scene, near Yarraville Football Club, before taking her to Western Hospital in a stable condition.


It comes a day after father-of-two Michael Klanja was killed when a brick wall collapsed on him during strong winds on a residential building site in Brighton East.


12.02PM: THE wild weather is causing havoc on our roads and public transport system with a fallen tree over train tracks in Highett forcing the suspension of trains on the Frankston line.


EARLIER: BUREAU of Meteorology duty forecaster Steven McGibbony said although the temperature was 8.7C at 9am in the city, it felt more like -2C due to the wind chill factor.


“The good news is that not much more rain is expected, but gales of up to 130km/h are set to hit the state, with the biggest risk areas being Bayside and the Mornington Peninsula,” he said.


Mr McGibbony said the strong winds would continue into the early evening.


“Winds will still be at about 90km/h right throughout the afternoon,” he said.


MEGABLIZZARD: Fresh snow, fresh pics as the snowstorm of the century strikes


“During the overnight period they should start to ease back, but it will still be fresh and gusty.”


The worst conditions are due to hit Melbourne between 10am and noon, with predicted winds of 100km/h to 110km/h, with stronger winds in some areas.


“For those eastern bayside suburbs and the coastal fringe winds could be up to 120km/h to 130km/h,” another forecaster James Taylor said.


“Ultimately the severe weather warning is for damaging winds across the whole state but potentially destructive winds could occur in central and western coastal areas, alpine areas, elevated areas of South Gippsland and the Otway Ranges.”


A top temperature of 14C is forecast for Melbourne today, with a few showers and 16C on Wednesday and Thursday.



Commuters struggle into work through the cold wet weather in Melbourne. Picture: Nicole G


Commuters struggle into work through the cold wet weather in Melbourne. Picture: Nicole Garmston Source: News Corp Australia




Umbrellas this morning were a must, as rain poured during rush hour. Picture: Nicole Garm


Umbrellas this morning were a must, as rain poured during rush hour. Picture: Nicole Garmston Source: News Corp Australia




Little Mia, 4, held tightly on to her umbrella in Southbank on her way to kindergarten. P


Little Mia, 4, held tightly on to her umbrella in Southbank on her way to kindergarten. Picture: Nicole Garmston Source: News Corp Australia




Lulu Freedman is overjoyed with the fresh snow at Falls Creek, with forecasters tipping u


Lulu Freedman is overjoyed with the fresh snow at Falls Creek, with forecasters tipping up to 100cm of new snow this week. Source: Supplied




The snowy entrance to Mt Buller this morning, which sets the resort up for winter. Pic: A


The snowy entrance to Mt Buller this morning, which sets the resort up for winter. Picture: Andrew Railton Source: Supplied




Terry Saggers is in the right place to enjoy the first real snow dump at Mt Buller. Pictu


Terry Saggers is in the right place to enjoy the first real snow dump at Mt Buller. Picture: Andrew Railton. Source: Supplied



Snow falls and strong winds will create poor conditions in alpine areas.


A dusting of snow is predicted to cover Mt Dandenong and Mt Macedon while alpine areas could see up to 50cm of snow.


Mt Baw Baw received 10cm-15cm of snow overnight, while Mt Buller and Falls Creek have seen the first real falls for the 2014 season.


“We’re expecting follow-up snow through the rest of the week with cold fronts and a further 20 to 40cm by the end of the weekend,” Bureau of Meteorology duty forecaster Andrea Peace said.


Have you seen any wild weather? Send us your photos here



Margaret McCoppin and her Maltese Jack Russell cross, Alfie, cop an icy blast. Picture: C


Margaret McCoppin and her Maltese Jack Russell cross, Alfie, cop an icy blast. Picture: Cormac Hanrahan. Source: News Corp Australia



The State Emergency Service (SES) has warned Victorians to park cars under cover or away from trees, secure or store loose items around their houses and stay clear of fallen powerlines.


SES spokesperson Stefan Delatovic said they received 210 calls for help yesterday, with more than half in greater metropolitan Melbourne after gales of up to 95km/h hit the area.


“Most calls were about trees being blown down … and we had 30 calls for minor building damage like tiles lifting off roofs.”


Mr Delatovic expected to get a spike in calls today.


There are severe weather warnings for the Mallee, Wimmera, Northern Country, North Central, North East, South West, Central, West and South Gippsland and East Gippsland forecast districts.


For emergency help in floods and storms, ring your local SES Unit on 132 500.



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