Power outages investigated wild weather hits the region

Trains from Geelong to Southern Cross could be delayed up to an hour as thousands of Cats fans head to the footy.

Trains to Melbourne could be delayed by more than an hour on Thursday afternoon as thousands of Geelong Cats fan head to the MCG for the club’s second round clash against Carlton.

V/Line has warned Melbourne-bound trains on the Geelong line could be delayed by up to 90 minutes after two emergency incidents near West Footscray.

Trains will run at reduced speeds on Thursday afternoon as a precaution.

A V/Line spokesman thanks commuters for their patiences during the delays.

“We’re working hard to get everything back into position in time for tonight’s game between Geelong and Carlton at the MCG,” the spokesman said.

V/Line will run three extra trains to Geelong after the game in addition to its regular services.

Earlier, some services were delayed due to extreme weather.

Wild storms hit the region on Thursday morning with more than 7000 homes affected by power outages.

A Powercor spokesman said there had been more than 12,500 ground lightning strikes recorded since 7am across central and western Victoria which had caused damage to poles and powerlines.

A flurry of sparks were seen coming from a power pole at the corner of Boundary Rd and Carr St, Thomson at 8.15am Thursday.

Police had to direct traffic a short time later after power to traffics lights at the intersection of

Bellarine Highway and Boundary Rd was lost.

A lightning strike paused trains on the Geelong line about 8am and 21mm of rain fell at Anakie between 7.22am and 7.52am.

“Extra crews are on the ground responding to more than 105 separate faults,” a Powercor spokesman said.

“In some cases, poles will need to be replaced and powerlines and other equipment repaired.

“Since this morning, our crews and control room operators have been able to restore power to over 40,000 customers.”

A severe thunderstorm warning for Geelong and the Surf Coast was cancelled on Thursday morning however the weather bureau has warned of showers in the late afternoon.

Thunderstorm warning issued for Geelong and Melbourne on Thursday morning

“A severe thunderstorm has cleared to the east of the (Melbourne) metro area. Another storm is approaching the Ballarat area and may become severe,” the bureau posted.

“Severe thunderstorms in the warning area have temporarily eased.

“However, the redevelopment of severe thunderstorms remains likely. The situation is being closely monitored and further detailed warnings will be issued as necessary.

“The State Emergency Service advises that people should stay away from fallen powerlines - always assume they are live, stay safe by avoiding dangerous hazards, such as floodwater, mud, debris, damaged roads and fallen trees. don’t walk, ride your bike or drive through flood water.”

Originally published as Power outages investigated wild weather hits the region