193,000 lightning strikes hit Mildura during record-breaking weather event

More than 193,000 lightning strikes hit northwest Victoria on Wednesday night as a record-breaking weather event lashed the region.

More than 193,000 lightning strikes hit Mildura in northwest Victoria on Wednesday night as a record-breaking weather event lashed the region.

The country town experienced its wettest January day on record as flash flooding forced streets and businesses to close.

About 80.2mm of rain has fallen in the past 24 hours, according to the Bureau of Meteorology, during the first rain-event the town has had in January.

Meteorologist Ben Domensino said Mildura received 193,204 lightning strikes within a 200km radius of Mildura between 12pm Wednesday and 9am Thursday morning.

It comes after two people were injured after a Bundoora home went up in flames during as dangerous storms swept the state.

SES Mildura Unit volunteers received over 130 calls in the past 24 hours from people needing assistance with flash flooding into homes and businesses, building damage, trees and powerlines down, blocked roads and four rescues of people from vehicles trapped in flood water.

There were 193,204 lightning strikes detected within a 200 km radius of #Mildura between midday Wednesday and 9am Thursday. This intense storm activity dumped 80.2mm of rain at Mildura, about 4 times the monthly average and the heaviest Jan rain in records dating back to 1890. pic.twitter.com/xOErNZeqhb

— Ben Domensino (@Ben_Domensino) January 26, 2022

Videos online show Anthony Street submerged, leaving residents with no access to their street.

Mildura was Victoria’s worst-affected area, receiving more calls for help than any other area in the state.