Trees down as weather whips the hills

A large tree was uprooted in Ryrie Street, Healesville. 147633 Picture: JESSE GRAHAM

By JESSE GRAHAM, KATH GANNAWAY and VICTORIA STONE-MEADOWS

EMERGENCY crews are working around the Yarra Ranges to clear away the remnants of last night’s storm, with trees and branches strewn across roads through the valley and the hills.

On Wednesday 25 November, strong winds hit the area as part of a cool change after a warm and windy day.
In the Dandenong Ranges, power was knocked out in Belgrave in the evening, with Cameo Cinemas losing power mid-session and some restaurants resorting to candle-light for services.

Strong winds knocked branches and leaf litter onto the roads around Monbulk, though Emerald SES unit controller Ben Owen said it had been a quiet night for the emergency service.

Mr Owen told the Mail on Thursday 26 November, that the crew had only received about 10 calls for assistance since 8pm the night before, with trees down on roads and power outages.

In Healesville, multiple trees and branches fell across roads in the wild weather, including a large tree that was uprooted in Ryrie Street, coming down across power lines and a front fence.

In Pockett Lane, tree branches also knocked down power lines, blocking off the road for residents.

Tree branches felled power lines in Pockett Lane, Healesville. 147633 Picture: JESSE GRAHAM
Tree branches felled power lines in Pockett Lane, Healesville. 147633 Picture: JESSE GRAHAM

 

Upper Yarra SES controller Steve Green said the storms began at about 7pm on Wednesday, with trees down on roads, with one falling on a caravan in a driveway.

No injures have yet been reported.

Mr Green recommended that residents secure loose items like trampolines, umbrellas and outdoor furniture when heavy winds hit.

More as it comes.

A large tree was uprooted in Ryrie Street, Healesville. 147633 Picture: JESSE GRAHAM
A large tree was uprooted in Ryrie Street, Healesville. 147633 Picture: JESSE GRAHAM