Wyndham’s State Emergency Service (SES) has called on residents to be storm-ready after what was described as a “mini-tornado” tore through a Werribee street last week.
Wyndham SES unit commander Laurie Russell said strong winds downed power lines and trees, and tore roofs off properties along Mary Avenue. The freak storm struck about 3pm last Tuesday.
Mr Russell, who described the phenomenon as a mini-tornado, said six Mary Avenue householders needed significant help from the SES, with crews working through to 9pm to make properties safe.
A team from Powercor worked into the early hours of the next morning to restore power.
Mary Avenue resident Sam Mollica was at home when the wild winds whipped along the street, tearing sheets off his pergola roof and damaging a number of roof tiles.
“[When we] came out there was stuff everywhere,” Mr Mollica said. “There were live powerlines on the road; it was very dangerous. We were without power until just after midnight.
“We’re just thankful there were no kids or people around at that hour. The roof can be replaced, but if somebody had been injured it would’ve been a lot worse.”
Mr Russell called on residents to secure any outdoor furniture and other items, particularly trampolines, ahead of the storm season.
“These are not unusual weather events, but you normally get them in Point Cook or Tarneit,” he said. “We haven’t had such an event in Werribee, in my experience, in more than 20 years.
“If that’s an insight into the bad weather we’re going to get this season, it’s going to pose some very big problems.”
with Adem Saban
