Chaos as gusts of up to 110km wreak havoc across Geelong

A low pressure system is wreaking havoc across Geelong, with more than 200 trees down and buildings damaged.

A carpark roof at Armstrong Creek Town Centre tore in high winds. Picture: Alison Wynd

Geelong was hit with a day of wild weather on Friday, as damaging winds caused havoc across the region.

Forecasters said a low pressure system created winds of between 60 to 70 km/h and peak gusts of up to 110 km/h.

Bannockburn, Geelong and Corio SES units responded to more than 60 calls for help.

Across the Barwon South West region, there were 225 reports of trees down.

It is understood no buildings were seriously damaged due to the wild weather but high winds uprooted a tree in Glenfine Ave, Hamlyn Heights, leaving it to hang over a family home.

Winds tore the carpark roof at the Armstrong Creek Town Centre on the Surf Coast Hwy on Friday morning.

Torn branches covered local roads and rubbish bins had blown over, leaving litter scattered across the region.

Wild winds uprooted a tree, which was left hanging over a Hamlyn Heights unit. Picture: Mark Wilson

There were at least 10 reported power outages across Geelong with more than 350 homes in Corio, Hamlyn Heights and Bell Park left without electricity, according to CitiPower.

Traffic lights across the city, including on Melbourne Rd and Thompson Rd, were also out due to wild weather and Bunnings in Norlane was left without power.

CitiPower said electricity was not expected to be restored until 6pm on Friday.

The wild weather also caused chaos at airports, with morning flights to Sydney out of Avalon airport either delayed or cancelled.

Dozens of domestic flights departing from Melbourne airport were also cancelled or significantly delayed due to high winds.

The City of Greater Geelong closed the Geelong Botanic Gardens, Drysdale Landfill and Geelong Resource Recovery Centre on Friday amid the wild conditions.

A council spokesman said: “This decision has been made in the interest of public safety and to protect our valued community members.”

“The safety of our community and staff is our top priority, and these measures have been taken to minimise any potential risks associated with the adverse weather conditions,” he said.

“We apologise for any inconvenience this temporary closure may cause and appreciate your understanding in helping us ensure the safety of all.”

Weather bureau forecaster Joanna Hewes said the low pressure system was over Cape Otway on Friday morning and then made its way towards Geelong.

She warned it would bring “pretty full on” winds.

Damaging surf conditions saw waves in excess of seven metres hit Cape Otway, while the Surf Coast was sheltered from the worst of it.

Sea levels will also be elevated above the Highest Astronomical Tide during high tides on Saturday.

These conditions may produce localised damage and coastal erosion.

According to the bureau, the beach conditions will be dangerous and people should stay well away from the surf and surf-exposed area.

Originally published as Chaos as gusts of up to 110km wreak havoc across Geelong