Wild winds leave 110k homes without power in Vic

Lightning storm over Melbourne CBD (powercor)
Image: Shutterstock

The Australian Energy Market Operator (AEMO) has confirmed approximately 110,000 properties across Victoria remain without electricity, down from 518,000 yesterday, due to wild winds and heavy rainfall across the state.

The damage was reportedly severe, with AEMO warning some customers wouldn’t have electricity until early this week despite the efforts and support from emergency response groups, including the State Emergency Service.

Network crews have restored the power to more than 400,000 properties, enduring challenging weather conditions, falling trees and access issues to repair damaged powerlines and critical energy infrastructure.

Many residents are facing a daunting clean-up after the ‘once in a decade’ storms lashed the state with nearly 150km/h winds.

Related article: Researchers seeking those affected by blackouts

A Melbourne resident has recounted the moment his family of six escaped their Lower Plenty home as it was pulverised by wild winds that toppled pine trees.

Marcus Hansen was making coffee in the kitchen when the walls of his home started crumbling around him.

“We got out without a scratch, I just can’t believe it,” Mr Hansen told Nine News.

“It was a massive crack and my daughter was looking out the window, so she saw the tree coming and she was just screaming.

“There was a lot of dust that looked like smoke, a lot of coughing but we got together on the stairs inside then made our way out.”

Moments later most of the top floor was obliterated, while the bedrooms were crushed and the bathrooms instead resembled a balcony. The almost 100-year-old home was annihilated by mother nature, months after it was lovingly restored.

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