Melbourne has been hit with huge hailstones, forcing motorists to pull over and causing a supermarket ceiling to collapse.
Huge trees damaged properties and a major highway was brought to a standstill as a huge supercell brought giant hailstones to Melbourne on January 18, 2020.
Hailstones as large as 5cm in diameter pummelled Melbourne’s east, southeast and city centre, as heavy rain brought some relief across Victoria’s fire grounds.
The Bureau of Meteorology has warned residents to remain indoors as the “very dangerous storm” brought the giant hail which hit the city centre about 4.50pm.
Damaging winds, heavy rainfall and giant hailstones created dangerous conditions and the potential for flash flooding, the Bureau of Meteorology warned.
The Monash Highway was brought to a standstill as giant hail forced motorists to pull over…
I have never seen anything like this… Hail bigger than golf balls has brought the Monash freeway to a complete stop. #melbourne #melbourneweather pic.twitter.com/weZ909bWCM
— Liam Melrose (@liammelrose15) January 19, 2020
Meanwhile in Templestowe the ceiling of a Woolworths supermarket collapsed, sending shoppers running for cover.
Just before at Templestowe #woolies. Multiple parts of the ceiling collapsed and all customers were forced to evacuate. Like a scene from Titanic. Stay safe all! #melbweather pic.twitter.com/bD3cqo2VHO
— Chris Kounelis (@ChrisKounelis) January 19, 2020
One couple was taken to hospital for checks after a large tree branch fell on their car as they drove home from lunch.
The car had to be towed, the car’s bonnet crushed and the front windscreen completely shattered.
The incident was one of dozens of reports of cars being damaged during the ferocious storm.
The severe thunderstorm warning was issued for a large swath of Victoria, encompassing all of the Northern Country, North Central, North East, West and South Gippsland regions and parts of Central and East Gippsland.
Mount Wellington in Victoria’s alpine region received 22mm of rainfall in just 30 minutes.
The State Emergency Service is advising residents to secure loose outdoor furniture, umbrellas and trampolines and move cars inside or away from trees. Find similar headlines on Strange Sounds and Steve Quayle. [The Age]
