Advertisement

Golf ball-sized hail falls, power goes out as thunderstorms lash Victoria's northwest

Huge thunderstorms moving across Victoria have lashed the northwest of the state and are now moving east, after a steamy summer day.

Melbourne sweltered through a hot Monday night, before temperatures fell to 24 degrees at 12.38am, before hitting a maximum of 37.4 degrees just before 3.30pm on Tuesday.

But the cool change quickly hit the CBD an hour later, with the temperature dropping 12 degrees in just 10 minutes. During that period, temperatures dropped from 36 degrees to 29 in just three minutes.

Thunderstorms lashed out at Wollert, north of the city. Source: Jessica Mascaro
Thunderstorms lashed out at Wollert, north of the city. Source: Jessica Mascaro

The change triggered widespread showers and thunderstorm across the state.

By the afternoon, Mildura, in the state's far northwest, was hit by winds of nearly 90km/h and 10mm of rain in a short period of time.

A 'five-minute hail storm' in Doncaster, the size of golf balls. Source: Johnny Tsabouka
A 'five-minute hail storm' in Doncaster, the size of golf balls. Source: Johnny Tsabouka

Several buildings were damaged in the region, including a home at Merbein which reportedly lost its roof.

Wild winds caused havoc in Wangaratta, northeast of the city, with fallen tree branches flying across the town's Main Street.

Over in the Macedon Ranges town of Lancefield, the SES received more than 100 calls for help through the afternoon.

  • Mum furious at teacher for ruining Christmas for primary school class

  • Mum bans husband from bathing daughters 'because they have different body parts'

  • Australian accountant arrested in Bali on drug smuggling charges

Out to the east, Mount Dandenong received almost 8mm of rainfall, while further south, Philip Island observed 2.2m.

As the cold front moved east, Laverton, west of the city, recorded a wind gust of 98km/h at 4.15pm and strong winds hit Bendigo at 6.30pm.

Golf-ball sized hail spotted in Melbourne's south-east. Source: Nat Drane/Facebook
Golf-ball sized hail spotted in Melbourne's south-east. Source: Nat Drane/Facebook

Residents in the state's south-east observed large hail, the size of golf balls, in suburbs including Doncaster, Mill Park, Mitcham and Narre Warren.

Large swathes of the state have also been hit by power outages.

Huge balls of hail ripped holes through a patio roof at Beaconsfield, in Victoria's south-east. Source: Trent Mckean
Huge balls of hail ripped holes through a patio roof at Beaconsfield, in Victoria's south-east. Source: Trent Mckean

The Bureau of Meteorology warns damaging winds, heavy rain and flash flooding may hit Bendigo, Shepparton, Seymour, Melbourne, Wodonga, Wangaratta, Traralgon and Bairnsdale.

On Tuesday night 7 News received reports of travellers stranded at Melbourne's airport with some flights grounded due to the inclement weather. Passengers are advised to check with their airline regarding delays.