Victoria on HIGH ALERT: Destructive Storms, Hail and Fire Warnings Issued as Wild Weather Sweeps Across the State
- Victorians warned to brace for wild and dangerous weather on Sunday, with potentially destructive storms forecast for some parts of the state
- Large hailstones have already damaged one home in Shepparton, while parts of north-east Victoria experienced heavy rain overnight
- Extreme fire-danger warning in place for north-western parts of the state, with a Total Fire Ban issued for the Mallee district
Victorians are on high alert as a low-pressure system builds across the state, bringing with it a wild and stormy weather forecast for Sunday. Authorities are warning of destructive storms, heavy winds, and potential hail, with an extreme fire-danger warning in place for north-western parts of the state.
“This is a big storm day widespread across Victoria … becoming severe in the afternoon across the north,” warned BOM forecaster Lincoln Trainor. “We don’t have many of these … from about 1pm we’re going to see damaging to destructive winds, possible large hail and intense rainfall.”
The State Control Centre (SCC) is urging communities in Victoria’s north and north-east to remain on alert for volatile weather, with large hailstones already damaging one home in Shepparton and parts of north-east Victoria experiencing heavy rain overnight. In a shocking turn of events, heavy hailstones pelted this home in Shepparton early on Sunday morning, leaving a trail of destruction in its wake.
Strong winds and heavy rainfall have begun to spread across Victoria, with an extreme fire warning in place for the Mallee region in the state’s north-west. The SCC is warning of potentially destructive winds, possible large hail, and intense rainfall, with tornadoes also a possibility.
“If you’re in the north-west, you need a fire plan. And if you’re in the north-east, you need a storm plan,” SES state agency commander Alistair Drayton warned. “Stay informed today, especially if you’re driving. Remember to never drive through floodwater — it could be the last decision you make.”
Residents in the Mallee district are being urged to consider travelling to a city or larger town for the day, as it is a much safer place to be on extreme fire danger days. Meanwhile, holidaymakers in Victoria’s Alpine region are bracing for the wild weather, with heavy rain, thunder, and lightning already making an impact.
As the wild weather sweeps across Victoria, residents are being told to stay informed and monitor conditions, with a severe thunderstorm warning in place for Western Melbourne, Geelong, and the Bellarine Peninsula. Damaging winds and heavy rainfall are likely in these areas, with heavy rain already hitting Melbourne early on Sunday afternoon.
Stay up to date with the latest emergency information via VicEmergency and ABC Emergency, and check out the latest Christmas and Boxing Day weather forecast for Australia’s capital cities here.
