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.

The calm before the storm at eastern beach Picture: Mark Wilson

More rain and a possible severe storm are forecast for Geelong on Friday, following a night of heavy rain in the region that sparked numerous State Emergency Service (SES) call-outs.

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

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.

At 4.30pm, only 0.2mm of rain had been recorded, however by 5pm, 5mm of rain had dropped and by 6pm, that number rose to 8.8mm.

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.

According to the weather radar, the maximum temperature for Geelong was 25.7C on Thursday, and by 9pm, 11.8mm of rain had fallen in the region.

On 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