Houses damaged after tornado-like conditions hit northeast

The clean-up continues from Victoria’s devastating night of tornado-like winds, with the SES called out to 72 incidents over a 24 hour period — a majority of which were a result of falling trees.

SES volunteers worked through the night to clean up damage in Mordialloc. Picture: SES Chelsea Unit

Blustery conditions are wreaking havoc across Victoria, as falling trees damage property and nervous football fans scramble to get to Sydney as flights are delayed.

A tornado-like weather event brought more heavy winds to Peechelba in Victoria’s north east yesterday, damaging local houses and injuring livestock.

Tree falls on fence in Mordialloc. Picture: SES Chelsea Unit

The phenomenon swept through the area north of Wangaratta around 4:30 on Friday afternoon, and SES services spent the evening cleaning up damaged properties.

Bureau of Meteorology forecaster Michael Efron said while the Bureau couldn’t confirm that it was a tornado without looking at footage, radar images suggested that it was possible under the conditions.

“These sorts of events are not unusual for the area … they’re often prone to them over spring and summer,” Mr Efron said.

SES volunteers clear Warren Road in Mordialloc. Picture: SES Chelsea Unit

Trees have cause significant damage in Mordialloc. Picture: SES Chelsea Unit

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In a separate incident, a man was airlifted to hospital after his ute collided with a fallen tree in Drouin South at around 4:40 this morning.

The 20-year-old was trapped in the car for an hour, and was taken to the Alfred Hospital with head lacerations. He is in a stable condition.

Blustery winds were an issue all over Victoria, and the SES was called out to 72 incidents over a 24 hour period, a majority of which were a result of falling trees.

SES crews responded this afternoon after a sign fell on cars parked along Chapel Street, South Yarra.

Chelsea SES volunteers spent more than three hours clearing Warren Road in Mordialloc after a large tree fell on a fence and two parked cars.

SES spokesman Phil Wall said the team was called out just after 3am on Saturday morning.

“On arrival, it became obvious that it would not be a quick job as the massive tree required some serious attention to clear it safely,” he said.

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