Emergency services in Victoria have issued warnings for residents to charge their mobile phones before bed and have torches or candles ready in case of power outages. The department of education also stated that school closures would be announced on Monday morning. The State Emergency Service (SES) received 307 calls in a 24-hour period, with the greater Geelong region being the busiest. Meteorologist Joanna Hewes explained that strong winds were due to a cold front moving across the state, with potential for gusty showers and thunderstorms after the front passes through.
In a video update from the Bureau of Meteorology, meteorologist Sarah Scully forecasted the arrival of the cold front in Melbourne between 2am and 4am. The front was expected to bring showers, thunderstorms, much colder conditions, and possibly small hail and snow to low levels. Areas around Port Phillip Bay, Western Port, and Gippsland Lakes were warned to prepare for high tides that could lead to inundation in low-lying areas. Mount William, the tallest peak in the Grampians, recorded wind gusts of 102km/h during the storm.
The severe weather warnings prompted VICSES state duty officer Erin Mason to urge residents to ensure their vehicles were parked safely, clean their gutters if possible, avoid high-risk areas, and stay informed about warnings through the bureau’s website and the VicEmergency app. Above-average temperatures inland were causing the gusty conditions in Victoria, with Melbourne expected to reach a top temperature of 14 degrees on Monday with rain expected. Tuesday would see conditions improving, with a top of 17 degrees before a mostly sunny Wednesday with a peak of 20 degrees.
The SES had received 307 calls in the 24 hours leading up to Sunday evening, with the greater Geelong region being the busiest area for calls. The meteorologist warned that the winds were associated with a cold front moving across Victoria, set to reach Melbourne in the early hours of Monday morning. Residents were advised to prepare by moving vehicles undercover, tying down loose items, and avoiding travel during peak winds. Further gusty showers and thunderstorms were expected after the front passed through, gradually easing throughout Monday.
The latest episode of wild weather in Victoria followed a tragic incident where a man drowned in rough seas off Rye pier on Saturday afternoon. The SES was prepared for a rise in callouts for help due to the severe weather warnings. Volunteers encouraged residents to park vehicles safely, clean gutters if possible, avoid high-risk areas, and stay informed about warnings through the bureau’s website and the VicEmergency app. Melbourne residents were warned to expect rain on Monday with a high of 14 degrees, improving conditions on Tuesday with a top of 17 degrees, and a mostly sunny Wednesday with a high of 20 degrees.
