Mini tornado, micro storms rock Victorian town

A wild storm that tore through Wangaratta forced residents to call emergency services for assistance in their droves and has left some locals without power for nearly 24 hours.

A wild storm tore through Wangaratta forcing emergency services to respond to dozens of calls for help.

A total of 28 requests for assistance were lodged in the northern Victorian town, as mini tornadoes and micro storms ripped trees from the ground, covering roads, causing building damage and power outages.

Wangaratta and surrounding areas were also bombarded by hailstones the “size of a 20c piece”, according to one resident.

Some residents are still without power, with Christine Heard in nearby Glenrowan saying she’s been without power for nearly 24 hours.

“We did lose our power at 4.30pm (yesterday) and it’s not due to be resolved until 4pm today,” she said.

The power in nearby Tarrawingee was out for more than five hours.

An ominous looking tornado that descended on Wangaratta.

Another Wangaratta resident said it had been “the weirdest day”.

“Firstly no power, then traffic lights out, and (then) huge hail stones,” Michelle Williams. said.

Residents were left “shocked” and “terrified” by the storm, with those living on Shanley St particularly affected.

Libby Green, who works at Kurrajong Park Equestrian Centre on Shanley Street, said it was a frightening experience.

“There was debris everywhere … The road was closed … Our (Shanley) street got hit really bad”.

A local’s pool ended up covered in broken branches from nearby trees.

The Wangaratta SES was kept busy after the storm.

“What a night … Our amazing volunteers cleared 28 requests for assistance, as mini tornadoes hit many areas in our region,” the unit said.

Rural of City Wangaratta council crews have spent Thursday cleaning up the mess.