A fast-moving storm cell swept across Mount Alexander Shire on Saturday evening, leaving a trail of fallen trees and keeping Castlemaine SES volunteers on the go right through until Monday morning.
Four crews were deployed across the district, receiving 25 calls for assistance across Guildford, Yapeen, Campbells Creek, McKenzie Hill, Barfold, and Castlemaine.
Pockets of the shire were hit by torrential rain and hail that piled several inches deep, with fierce winds uprooting gums and bringing down branches across roads, driveways, and homes.
Volunteers focused heavily on residential properties, attending eight callouts where trees had crashed onto roofs, garages, and verandas, alongside several leaking ceilings.
During the height of the storm, crews were also dispatched to a car accident at the corner of Barker and Forest Streets in central Castlemaine.
Fortunately, all occupants were able to get out of the vehicles without SES assistance.
Castlemaine SES Section Lead Daniel Bone said the isolated nature of the storm gave residents almost no warning.
“When an event like this hits so quickly, there’s very little anyone can do in the moment,” Mr Bone said.
“We saw trees of all shapes and sizes come down. Some were perfectly healthy and were just overpowered by the gusts, but in other cases, an inspection by an arborist beforehand could have spotted hidden rot or weak limbs and prevented damage to a home. This can be a stormy time of year, and now is a great time to look up and have mature trees near your home assessed.”
Mount Alexander Shire Council road crews worked through the night clearing tree-littered roads, allowing SES volunteers to focus their attention on damaged homes.
For emergency storm assistance, call VICSES on 132 500.