Urgent warning in place as ‘severe’ storm leaves parts of Ballarat without power

Households across Victoria have been left powerless as a wild storm sweeps the southern part of the state, leaving hailstones the size of golf balls in its wake.

Day turned to night a little earlier than expected in Ballarat as a wild thunderstorm thrashed through the regional city, quickly making its way across the state.

A severe thunderstorm warning was in place for large parts of Central and Western Victoria after the Bureau of Meteorology issued an alert after lunch on January 2.

Ballarat residents began reporting extremely heavy rain and power outages, expected to last until later in the evening.

UNBELIEVABLE- stormy heavy rains all the way Melbourne to Ballarat. Feeling unsafe driving - have never seen such bad weather conditions. DID the @BOM forecast this?? @3AW693@WINNews_Balpic.twitter.com/rig8Irql4X

— Eevie Rona (@nonperso62) January 2, 2024

Flash flooding has forced the closure of The Ballarat & Surrounds Trotting Club until 1pm on January 3 as rain continues to pour across the tracks.

Please note both tracks closed until further notice due to storm damage
Jog track maybe available after 1pm tomorrow once remedial works completed weather pending pic.twitter.com/GJVC3cuXsF

— Ballarat & District Trotting Club (@Bdtc150) January 2, 2024

Ballarat isn’t the only regional city feeling the affects of the severe thunderstorm.

Hailstones the size of golf balls have been falling around homes in Epsom and White Hills, north of Bendigo as The Bureau have updated the thunderstorm warning for drivers, saying “visibility in some parts of the state has dropped to 400m”.

Large hailstones fell in Epsom and White Hills. Picture: Julieanne Strachan.

At 3.44pm The Bureau said Kerang, Bendigo, Shepparton, Seymour, Kyneton and Yarra Glen are still at risk for flash flooding and damaging winds as the storm continues through the state.

The Bureau released data showing heavy rainfall had already measured at 20mm in 30 minutes at Eversley, 30mm in 30 minutes at Mount Boninyong, 29mm in 60 minutes at Yandoit and reports of large hail around Bendigo.

The Victorian State Emergency Service urged anyone in the affected areas to avoid driving if possible, secure any loose outdoor items and move to a safe place indoors.

The Bureau of Meteorology updated the severe thunderstorm warning for the state at 3.44pm. Image: The Bureau

The northbound lanes of the Hume Freeway have also been closed at Donnybrook Road, due to collision that has resulted in a jack-knifed truck and power pole coming down, according to VicTraffic.

Drivers heading away from Melbourne are being diverted onto Donnybrook Road to then use Merriang Road and Wallan-Whittlesea Road back to the freeway.

VicTraffic have reported a 7km queue of “extremely slow moving traffic” from the Amaroo Rd exit, encouraging motorists to “consider exiting earlier at Craigieburn Rd East and taking Epping Rd.”

The delays begin at Beveridge on the inbound side of the freeway.

Victoria Police are currently conducting traffic and will “only reopen the road when it’s safe to do so”.

Three train lines have also been impacted by the storm at the time of writing, leaving buses replacing train services between Broadmeadows and Craigieburn on the Craigieburn line, Greensborough and Hurstbridge on the Hurstbridge line, and between Southern Cross, Wallan and Seymour on the Seymour/Shepparton V-Line service.

Live updates can be found here.

It is absolutely bucketing down with rumbles of thunder in the background 🌧️ ⛈️ #melbweather#melbourneweatherpic.twitter.com/D3LITZ2jpH

— JAKE FLAGPIES23 🏆🖤🤍 (@IncrediblyBozza) January 2, 2024

People should monitor the VicEmergency and The Bureau websites for further updates.

Tips for severe thunderstorm, according to the SES:

* If driving conditions are dangerous, safely pull over away from trees, drains, low-lying areas and floodwater. Avoid travel if possible.

* Stay safe by avoiding dangerous hazards, such as floodwater, mud, debris, damaged roads and fallen trees.

* Be aware – heat, fire or recent storms may make trees unstable and more likely to fall when it’s windy or wet.

* Check that loose items, such as outdoor settings, umbrellas and trampolines are safely secured. Move vehicles under cover or away from trees.

* Stay indoors and away from windows.

* If outdoors, move to a safe place indoors. Stay away from trees, drains, gutters, creeks and waterways.

* Stay away from fallen powerlines – always assume they are live.

* Be aware that in fire affected areas, rainfall run-off into waterways may contain debris such as ash, soil, trees and rocks. Heavy rainfall may also increase the potential for landslides and debris across roads.

* Stay informed: Monitor weather warnings, forecasts and river levels at the Bureau of Meteorology website, and warnings through VicEmergency website/app/hotline.