Wild winds whip through Melbourne
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The State Emergency Service (SES) in Victoria has received more than 550 calls for help this afternoon as winds of up to 100 kilometres an hour lash Melbourne.
The Bureau of Meteorology says the immediate threat of severe thunderstorms has passed, although a more general threat for the centre and east of the state remains.
People in and around Shepparton, Wangaratta, Mansfield and Mount Buller have been advised to stay away from drains and creeks, and secure loose items.
SES state duty officer Tim Wiebusch says in Melbourne the SES has mainly been attending to fallen trees on buildings and on roads.
"Probably the most significant job this afternoon occurred this afternoon out in Brunswick, where we had a factory wall that collapsed as a result of the strong winds, and resulted in part of a hostel needing to be relocated," he said.
"We've also had activity up in the east of the state, with one property in Yarrawonga where the roof was totally dislodged."
