General News
16 October, 2024
Western Vic whipped by wild weather as storms strike region overnight
Casterton received about 22 millilitre of rain in 20 minutes.
A wild storm hit parts of the Wimmera and western Victoria late on Wednesday, October 16, bringing heavy rain, strong winds and large hailstones leaving some residents scrambling to protect their cars and belongings.
Senior meteorologist at the Bureau of Meteorology Miriam Bradbury said severe thunderstorms developed in many areas across the country including western Victoria.
"Particularly significant thunderstorms moved through western Victoria during Wednesday afternoon and evening, bringing heavy rainfall and large hail" she said.
Ms Bradbury reported the storm brought about 22 millilitres of rain in 20 minutes in Casterton, with hail above 4cm in diameter and wind gusts approaching 90kmh.
State Emergency Service volunteers are heading to Casterton this morning, Thursday, October 17, after receiving between 60 and 70 calls for assistance overnight.
The severe weather is expected to continue over the coming days.
"For Thursday [October 17] thunderstorms are possible ... across much of central and western Victoria," said Ms Bradbury.
With a strong cold front and low pressure system is moving across South Australia combing with warm and humid air ahead is providing 'suitable conditions' for storms to develop.
"Currently, a severe weather warning for damaging winds covers much of South Australia ... we may see further severe weather warnings for part of south eastern Australia over the next 24 hours as that front moves through," said Ms Bradbury.