Abbas demands peace after violent surge

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Nice one `Mick J`, totally caring, objective etc..
Posted by: no 3-ply here of queensland 4:05pm today

wait, what?A few trees fall over when it gets windy and suddenly this is top news because it happens in Melbourne?How about the cyclone that ripped through Darwin a few months back, flattening structures and uprooting close to 1500 trees, but never got more than a comical mention in national bulletins?
Posted by: NT Bogan of guess where 4:03pm today

No doubt these deaths are tragic but if buliding codes were better applied regarding higher wind rating in Vic and NSw like they are in Qld many of these tragic events would not occur.Probably high time legislators looked at changing wind loadings on buildings in NSW and Vic to accomodate for expected larger storms over the next 20-50 years that will surely have a huge impact on housing destruction..I have built many houses in Qld and have seen first hand the difference in quality of construction in southern states and its very scary regarding wind loading design.
Posted by: Mick J of Bris 3:48pm today

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The woman in her 60s died when the wall collapsed in Mentone in Melbourne`s south this afternoon, an ambulance spokesman said.

Winds up to 100 km/h have caused mayhem across Victoria with people warned to stay out of central Melbourne and thousands of homes left without power.

"We are asking people who are in the city, who don`t need to be here, think about moving out,`` a Victoria Police spokesman said.

And for those who are here for some time, they need to think about planning alternate routes.``

A police spokesman said although the closures of the West Gate and Bolte bridges have not yet been confirmed, they are "highly likely", with authorities monitoring the situation.

Traffic on the West Gate Bridge has already slowed to a crawl as winds of up to 80km/h lash the city.

Boats breaking free

Victoria`s water police have had reports of boats breaking loose from their moorings around Port Phillip Bay.

A water police spokeswoman said recreational boating was not recommended on the bay today, with winds of about 45 knots reported.

"We advise people to inspect their boat`s moorings and make sure they are secure, because winds are going to pick up later this afternoon," she said.

Life Saving Victoria has urged people playing or fishing by the water to take care, with high seas and swells expected.

“A big wave can come in and sweep people away if they are not careful,” a LSV spokesman said.

“If you’re out in the surf in a boat you could definitely expect some huge swells.

“We’re asking people to take care and take it easy by the water.”

High winds, tree falls, blackouts and traffic chaos have hit Adelaide this morning as wild storms whip the southern part of the state.

Reports of failed traffic lights, trees over roads and dangerously low visibility are coming in from across the city, while winds in the hills are reportedly ferocious.

The Bureau of Meteorology has reported winds of up to 137km/h, while 90km/h gusts have been recorded in many areas. Dust storms are sweeping through the Mallee and Riverland.

The SES has answered more than 70 calls for help in the southern suburbs alone, and about 140 overall.

Street lights and traffic lights failed around the Glen Osmond Rd, Greenhill Rd intersection and motorists are reporting extremely dangerous conditions.

There has been a four-car crash at Salisbury, a two-car crash at Seaton, another two-car accident at Menindee, a smash at Tanunda and a car has hit a fallen tree at Morphett Vale.

In a serious accident near Waikerie in the Riverland, several people were hurt when a B-double truck ran into the back of a car. It is not known if bad weather or poor visibility played a part in the crash.

Many suburbs have been blacked out and as many as 10,000 homes were left without power. ETSA expects to have power restored to most areas this morning.

Traffic light failures and road blockages have been reported on Sudholz Rd, Grand Junction Rd, Grange Rd, Tapleys Hill Rd, South Rd at Wingfield and Hahndorf. South-Eastern Freeway commuters have reported spending as much as an hour and a half driving in from near-city Hills towns.

Relatively little rain has been recorded so far, although storms are expected to persist for most of the day and several parts of the city experienced showers before dawn.

Areas at risk of very high winds are metropolitan region, Mount Lofty Ranges, Kangaroo Island, Upper and Lower South East, Yorke Peninsula, Mid North and Lower Eyre Peninsula.

Total fire bans have been declared today in the Flinders, north-east pastoral, Murraylands and the Riverland fire ban districts. It will be warm at first with fresh to strong north-to-northwest winds ahead of a cooler south-west change.

The fire ban applies for 24 hours from midnight last night.

Hurricane warning issued

In Tasmania, the Bureau of Meteorology have issued a hurricane warning for southwestern coastal waters and a severe weather warning for the entire state.

Maximum gusts around 150 km/h are likely over alpine regions.

The weather bureau has also warned of extreme fire danger in most districts due to the high winds.

The State Emergency Service (SES) advises residents to park their car under cover away from trees and, if driving, to beware of debris across roadways.

Householders are advised to ensure loose items such as outdoor furniture and children`s play equipment are secured or put away.

"We`re just asking people to be mindful that they need to secure loose items that are around the house,`` an SES spokesman told 3AW radio.

Sailors and fishermen have been warned to return to shore and not to venture out until the strong weather has passed, with storm force wind warnings for the Western Port and Port Phillip Bays and all coastal waters.

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