This article exists as part of the online archive for HuffPost Australia, which closed in 2021.

Over 5,000 Homes Without Power After 'Mini Tornado' Hits Victoria

The far northwest of the state has been smashed by wild weather.
Many Victorian residents are without power after parts of the state were hit by bad weather.
ASSOCIATED PRESS
Many Victorian residents are without power after parts of the state were hit by bad weather.

Nearly 6,000 properties remain without power after a so-called mini tornado and wild thunderstorms lashed Victoria's far northwest overnight.

The destructive weather system was accompanied by strong winds, hail and downpours, with the SES receiving more than 300 calls for assistance, the ABC reports.

In addition to cutting power to thousands of residences, the storm also reportedly caused building damage and a number of properties were flooded.

SES State Duty Officer Josh Gamble told the ABC that Mildura, Merbein and Red Cliffs were the worst impacted areas.

"After analysis from the Bureau of Meteorology there was found to be a hook snitcher, which looks like a mini tornado, in Mildura," he's quoted as saying.

"The wind gusts initially created a lot of havoc with some building damages and out of that caused some structure collapses."

Gamble told the ABC there were no injuries reported to the agency so far.

One woman had to be rescued from a tent after a tree collapsed on it in the storm, according to the Nine Network.

The woman is said to have became trapped in Mildura where wind gusts of up to 95 kilometres per hour battered the regional centre overnight.

Close
This article exists as part of the online archive for HuffPost Australia. Certain site features have been disabled. If you have questions or concerns, please check our FAQ or contact support@huffpost.com.