**Storms leave thousands without power ahead of hottest day of heatwave**
Severe storms in Victoria have caused significant damage and widespread power outages, leaving thousands of residents without electricity just as the region braces for one of the hottest days of an ongoing heatwave. The extreme weather event struck early on Friday, February 2, bringing heavy rain, strong winds, lightning, and hail to many parts of the state.
Energy providers confirmed that approximately 21,000 properties were affected by power outages across Victoria. Many of these outages were attributed to fallen trees and branches, which damaged powerlines and other infrastructure. The State Emergency Service (SES) reported responding to hundreds of requests for assistance, with most calls concerning damage to property, blocked roads, and downed powerlines. Authorities urged residents to avoid travelling in storm-affected areas and to steer clear of fallen electrical wires, warning that they may still carry live current.
In Melbourne’s eastern and northern suburbs, which were particularly hard-hit, reports emerged of flooded streets and homes experiencing minor inundation. Some residents also reported delays in accessing emergency assistance due to the high volume of calls. These areas saw torrential rain and hailstorms, which caused traffic disruptions as water accumulated on major roads. Public transport services, including some train lines, also experienced delays or alterations, further adding to the strain on commuters.
The storms were accompanied by dramatic temperature fluctuations, with conditions cooling temporarily as the weather system moved through before returning to oppressive heat. Meteorologists from the Bureau of Meteorology (BOM) explained that the storms were caused by unstable atmospheric conditions, which have been building over the past few days in conjunction with the ongoing heatwave. A spokesperson from the BOM noted that while such storms are not uncommon during prolonged periods of intense heat, the scale and suddenness of this particular event had been notable.
Energy providers worked through the night and into the early hours of Friday morning to restore power to affected properties. By midday, approximately 12,000 homes and businesses remained without electricity, with crews continuing repairs across the hardest-hit areas. Some rural and remote locations were warned to prepare for extended delays as crews prioritise restoring critical infrastructure in more densely populated regions.
Health authorities have expressed concern about how the outages could impact vulnerable groups, particularly given the high temperatures forecast for Saturday, February 3, which is expected to reach well into the 40s in some parts of Victoria. Heatwaves pose a serious health risk to the elderly, young children, and individuals with pre-existing medical conditions. The Department of Health advised residents to stay hydrated, seek cooler environments, and check on neighbours and family members who may be at risk during the extreme heat.
The Friday storms came as Victoria was already dealing with multiple days of scorching weather. Parts of the state have recorded temperatures exceeding 35 degrees Celsius since earlier in the week, and the BOM has issued an ongoing heatwave warning. Saturday is expected to be the hottest day in the current heatwave, with temperatures in Melbourne forecast to reach 42 degrees Celsius and even higher in regional areas such as Mildura. The combination of extreme heat and ongoing recovery efforts from the storms has placed added pressure on emergency services.
Animal welfare groups have also reminded pet owners to take precautions during the heatwave. Organisations such as the RSPCA have urged the public to ensure their animals have access to shade and water, as well as to avoid exercising pets during the peak heat of the day. Similarly, farmers have been advised to monitor livestock closely, with some agricultural experts expressing concerns over potential heat stress in animals due to the high temperatures and humidity levels.
The storms and subsequent outages have renewed discussions about the resilience of Victoria’s power grid and infrastructure in the face of increasingly frequent extreme weather events. While no major injuries were reported as a direct result of the storms as of Friday afternoon, infrastructure damage is expected to take several days to fully assess and repair. Community groups and local councils have also been coordinating efforts to provide support to those affected by the outages, including providing access to cool spaces and distributing bottled water.
Climate scientists have previously warned that heatwaves and intense weather events are likely to increase in frequency and severity due to climate change. A recent report released by the Climate Council highlights that communities and governments must act urgently to adapt to the evolving challenges posed by climate extremes. However, it is important to note that the immediate cause of the Friday storms was natural weather dynamics rather than specific evidence of broader climate trends.
In response to the situation, Premier Daniel Andrews addressed the public on Friday, acknowledging the challenges faced by residents and thanking emergency services personnel for their efforts. He urged Victorians to stay safe, particularly as temperatures continue to rise. The Premier also noted that teams were working to ensure the state’s cooling centres were accessible to those in need and that extra medical resources were being prepared to handle any heat-related health emergencies over the weekend.
As of Friday evening, efforts to restore power across the remaining affected areas are ongoing, with further updates expected from energy providers in the coming hours. The BOM has also warned that additional isolated storms may develop later in the day due to lingering atmospheric instability, though these are not expected to be as widespread or severe as the earlier system. Residents are advised to keep monitoring their local weather warnings and to be prepared for sudden changes in conditions.
The ongoing heatwave is expected to ease slightly after the weekend, with temperatures forecast to drop closer to average for early February by Monday. However, authorities have warned that elevated fire risks will persist throughout much of the state in the coming days due to the extreme heat and dry conditions. Fire bans are likely to remain in effect in several regions, and residents are urged to remain vigilant and comply with any directions from emergency services regarding fire safety.
References:
– Brisbane Times article: Storms leave thousands without power ahead of hottest day of heatwave.
– Bureau of Meteorology, Victoria heatwave and storm warnings (February 2023).
– Victoria State Emergency Service (SES) incident reports.
– Department of Health Victoria public health advisories.
– Energy provider updates via official channels.
– Climate Council report: Climate and weather trends in Australia.