Geelong, Bellarine and Surf Coast lashed with wild weather

The region’s SES units were flat out on Wednesday as thunderstorms and wild weather lashed parts of Geelong, Bellarine Peninsula and the Surf Coast.

A picture of a storm over Ocean Grove main beach on the Bellarine Peninsula on Wednesday. Photo: Instagram.

State Emergency Service (SES) crews were busy on Wednesday night as thunderstorms and wild weather lashed parts of Geelong and region.

A Bureau of Meteorology radar showed almost the entire city, Bellarine Peninsula and much of the Surf Coast being hit at one point this afternoon, such was the deluge.

A Vic Emergency warning was issued for many parts of the state, with flash flooding reported in parts of Geelong, Torquay and Bellarine roads.

Flood damage in East Geelong on Wednesday.

Local SES crews were flat out throughout the chaos, receiving 40 requests for assistance in the 24 hour period following 8am Wednesday.

Most of the call-outs were due to building damage and flooding.

SES South Barwon unit was the busiest, receiving 24 requests, while the Geelong, Torquay, Bellarine and Corio units were also active throughout.

Across the state the SES received more than 500 requests, with units in the inner eastern suburbs of Melbourne the busiest.

Flood damage in Geelong on Wednesday.

Customers of Coles in Geelong West reported the store being closed on Wednesday due to water damage, while Belmont Common was also underwater.

It came amid a Department of Health issued “high risk” warning for an epidemic thunderstorm asthma event, with residents in the North Central, West and South Gippsland alerted to be prepared and stay inside.

Originally published as Geelong, Bellarine and Surf Coast lashed with wild weather