Geelong braces for severe storm after SES flash flooding call-outs

A severe storm could hit Geelong on Friday, following flash flooding that sparked numerous State Emergency Service call-outs.

Flooding on Melbourne Rd. Picture: Alison Wynd

The Royal Geelong Show is going ahead as normal on Friday, despite rain and possible severe storms which is reportedly disrupting traffic and has led to multiple the State Emergency Service (SES) call-outs.

Following flash flooding in the region on Thursday that sparked numerous several SES callouts, more rain and a possible severe storm are forecast for Geelong on Friday.

Royal Geelong Show organisers did not expect the rain to affect the event.

On Thursday, Geelong recorded 7.2mm of rain in the space of half an hour from 5pm, which resulted in flash flooding and people requiring assistance at their homes.

A spokeswoman for the SES said between 5pm Thursday and 7am Wednesday morning, SES crews were called out to 15 incidents, more than 10 of them occurring between 5pm and 6pm on Thursday.

The spokeswoman said most of these were reportedly for damage to homes, with one flash flood and one tree down.

She said there was no significant damage to any homes, as they were mainly short and sharp nuisances such as water in people’s garages.

A number of local roads were also closed on Thursday afternoon as a result of the heavy rainfall, with reports of flooding slowing traffic on roads in the region on Friday

Flooding on Melbourne Rd. Picture: Alison Wynd

A Country Fire Authority spokesman said crews responded to reports of a vehicle accident at approximately 9.46 am on Friday on the Great Ocean Road in Anglesea, with debris across the road.

“Five CFA units from Anglesea, Bellbrae, and Torquay were dispatched to the scene alongside Victoria Police,” the spokesman said.

“Upon arrival, crews found a small truck had overturned, spreading debris across the roadway.

“The relevant tow-truck company was contacted to assist with the removal of the vehicle.

Crews remained on scene at 11am.

Friday temperatures are expected to reach 23C, with a possible severe thunderstorm in the morning, and the chance of showers becoming less likely towards the evening.

Strong north to north-westerly winds are also expected to reach 25 to 35 km/h during the day and tend westerly 25 to 40 km/h in the middle of the day.

The weather is expected to clear in Geelong over the weekend, with temperatures in the high teens forecast.

Originally published as Geelong braces for severe storm after SES flash flooding call-outs