By CAM LUCADOU-WELLS
SES emergency crews are being called to a mounting number of damaged buildings and fallen trees as strong winds buffet Melbourne’s south-east.
Oliver Kellett, of Berwick, had a lucky escape with his immaculately-kept car emerging unscathed from potential disaster.
He had parked on the nature strip overnight, under a three-metre-plus gum tree which then “decided to have a lie down”.
“The crazy thing is that as close as it is, there’s not even any dirt on the front of the car.”
The upside is Casey Council has promptly removed the tree, allowing for more parking space in front of the Kellett home.
Berwick, with eight emergency call outs since midnight, is among the heaviest hit suburbs. Narre Warren (12) and Cranbourne (11) have also been busy with fallen powerlines and trees and damaged buildings.
A spokeswoman from Emergency Management Victoria’s State Control Centre said there had been a steady stream of incidents since winds buffeted the suburbs overnight and intensified this morning.
She said winds wouldn’t drop until late this afternoon, making school pick-up and after-work peak times potentially hazardous.
“The main message is that people take care. After the weekend storms, a lot of trees have weakened and are ready to fall.”
Energy Safe Victoria has issued a warning for people to stay clear of fallen powerlines.
“You don’t have to touch a powerline to be electrocuted,” energy safety director Paul Fearon said.
“Even getting too close can be fatal.
“Be particularly vigilant early in the morning or at night as fallen powerlines can be difficult to see.”
In case of power outages, call United Energy on 132 099.
For emergency help, call the SES on 132 500.
