Damage minimal from storm surge’s severe winds

Wild weather lashed parts of Geelong overnight on Monday, but damage was limited to a few fallen trees.

SES crews at a fallen tree incident on Torquay Rd in Grovedale. Photo: Shaun Viljoen.

Damage was minimal after wild weather hit parts of Geelong on Monday evening with strong winds and heavy rain.

The Bureau of Meteorology issued a severe weather warning at 3pm with damaging winds of between 90 km/h to 100 km/h predicted in Geelong and Bellarine Peninsula around 6pm.

SES crews were called to a Grovedale property about the same time with reports two trees had fallen.

An emergency worker in a cherry picker could be seen working on nearby powerlines while chainsaws were used to clear the area.

SES worker clearing the scene. Photo: Shaun Viljoen.

A Powercor spokesman said services had not been interrupted.

It’s understood the Torquay Rd home was also damaged in a wild storm last year.

Gusts of more than 75 km/h were reported near Avalon at 6pm, however as of 8.30pm it appeared the region was largely unscathed.

Meteorologist Dean Narramore said wind was expected to increase.

“The wind is likely to be the most dangerous part of the surge in Geelong … once winds get to 90km/h you start to see fallen trees and minor property damage,” he said.

Wet and wild weather could hit Geelong on Monday evening. Picture: Brad Fleet

A storm surge could also cause abnormally high tides, damaging winds, and possible sea water flooding of low lying areas.

Sea levels could rise considerably above the normal high tide mark across Monday afternoon and evening.

Meanwhile an SES spokesman said peak tides are expected on Tuesday, posing potential hazards for both residents and visitors.

The highest tides are expected on Tuesday in the state’s west, and could result in sea water flooding of low-lying areas of the coastline.

“Community members should avoid swimming in beaches, tidal rivers and creeks as we go through this period of storm surge, and always keep away from any flooded drains, rivers, streams and other waterways.”

Originally published as Damage minimal from storm surge’s severe winds