Severe weather update

After a weekend of severe thunderstorm activity, Victoria State Emergency Service (VICSES) is warning all Victorians to remain vigilant and prepared for the possibility of severe weather on Tuesday.

This follows significant thunderstorm activity over the weekend, with VICSES receiving over 1,300 Requests for Assistance (RFAs) on Sunday. The majority related to building damage and trees down as a storm cell progressed across the state, impacting Melbourne's east and southeast continuing across west Gippsland.

Some of the hardest hit areas included Narre Warren South, Glen Iris, Chadstone, Lilydale, Emerald, Drouin, Warragul, Leongatha, Romsey, Swan Hill and Mildura.

100s of SES Volunteers worked throughout Sunday to respond. Narre Warren, Monash and Warragul Units attended almost a third of the entire state’s RFAs.

Bureau of Meteorology has now issued a Severe Weather Warning for damaging winds for the North East, South West, Central, West and South Gippsland and East Gippsland for tomorrow, with the passage of a strong cold front. The Bureau has advised that:

• Large swells will impact coastal areas with significant wave height forecast for Tuesday night/Wednesday morning
• Waves more than 7 metres high are expected to hit Victoria’s West coast overnight tomorrow and Wednesday
• The average significant wave height for Western Bass Strait is around 2.8 metres
• Tomorrow rainfall totals will be 2 to 10 mm across southern and mountain districts, and 1 to 5mm in the Melbourne area.

In light of the Bureau’s forecast, VICSES warns Victorians to remain prepared for severe weather. We’re asking Victorians to:

• Clear your backyard and secure items such as outdoor furniture, umbrellas and trampolines. These items can cause damage in strong winds.
• Move vehicles under cover or away from trees
• Take care on the roads; trees can be brought down during high winds causing dangerous and unexpected traffic hazards.
• Keep clear of fallen power lines.

Victoria SES volunteers are on standby across the state 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year, ready to respond should this weather event result in requests for assistance.

Community members are advised to call 132 500 if they require assistance from VICSES due to storm related damage. If the damage is life-threatening, please call Triple Zero (000).