The dust has barely settled on the Flemington strait, but Melbourne is already in for another wild event – and horses have nothing to do with it.
The Bureau of Meteorology (BoM) has issued a severe tornado warning for the greater Melbourne area, which warns of heavy rainfall, destructive winds and large hailstones.
The areas affected by the wild weather have been listed as Inner, Northern and Western Melbourne, Port Phillip, Inner East, South East and Geelong and Bellarine Peninsula.
Residents of the above areas have been urged to stay indoors during the worst of the storm and to safeguard their homes and vehicles against the oncoming weather.
The BoM has maintained that the storm is “very dangerous” and that residents should brace for the worst.
Tornados have already been sighted in Craigieburn, Tullamarine Airport, Campbellfield and St Albans.
Stay safe, Melbourne.
The affected areas.
The official statement from the Bureau of Meterology is published in full below:
The Bureau of Meteorology warns that, at 1:50 pm, very dangerous thunderstorms were detected on weather radar near Bulla. These thunderstorms are moving towards the south.
Very dangerous thunderstorms are forecast to affect Melbourne Airport, St Albans, Sydenham and Williamstown by 2:20 pm and northern Port Phillip Bay, waters off Brighton beach, waters off Pt Cook and waters off Sandringham by 2:50 pm.
Destructive winds, heavy rainfall that may lead to flash flooding, large hailstones and tornadoes are likely.
Several reports of Tornadoes from Craigeburn, Campbellfield and Tullamarine area.
The State Emergency Service advises that people should:
Keep clear of fallen power lines.
Secure any loose objects in the vicinity of your home.
Keep away from creeks and drains.
Do not drive vehicles through flooded areas.
Stay indoors if possible.
Avoid using the phone during the storm.
If you are outside, avoid sheltering under trees
Listen to the radio for storm updates
Switch off your computer and electrical appliances
The next warning is due to be issued by 2:45 pm.
A more general severe thunderstorm warning is also current for the Central, Northern Country, North Central, North East and parts of the Mallee, South West, West and South Gippsland and Wimmera districts.
Warnings are also available through TV and Radio broadcasts, the Bureau’s website at www.bom.gov.au or call 1300 659 217. The Bureau and State Emergency Service would appreciate warnings being broadcast regularly.
Have a look at some of the pictures coming in from the Victoria area.
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