WINDS have picked up in Bass Coast as residents of Bass Coast and South Gippsland are urged to prepare for severe weather conditions, including destructive winds and coastal flooding, as the Bureau of Meteorology issues a Severe Weather Warning. The warning, in effect from this evening, forecasts winds averaging 55-65 km/h with gusts reaching up to 130 km/h, particularly during showers and thunderstorms.
The high winds are expected to be accompanied by abnormally high tides, which could lead to coastal flooding in low-lying areas. The areas at greatest risk include Western Port and parts of the Central coasts, where high tides are anticipated late Sunday night through early Monday morning, and again during Monday afternoon high tides. Residents near the coast are advised to stay well away from the surf and exposed coastal areas, as damaging surf conditions are expected between the Mornington Peninsula and Wilsons Promontory.
In addition to the coastal dangers, the strong winds have the potential to cause widespread damage, including fallen trees and powerlines, leading to power outages.
AusNet have issued their own public advisory, urging residents to prepare for the possibility of extended power outages.
“The current strong wind conditions impacting customers on our electricity network is the longest sustained weather event the network has faced in more than 10 years,” said Andrew Linnie, Executive General Manager, Distribution.
“Since the start of the wild weather last Sunday, the past week has seen around 120,000 customer outages with some customers impacted multiple times. We’ve been well-resourced to address faults and have been keeping customers informed,” said Mr Linnie.
As of 9.30am on Sunday, September 1, 504 customers were without power.
“The primary cause of outages over the past week has been damage to powerlines and poles caused by fallen trees, branches and debris.
“We recognise power outages are challenging for households and businesses, and can assure the community we are doing everything we can to restore power as quickly as possible. We have additional field crews and call centre staff preparing to respond,” he said.
Additionally, AusNet have generators temporarily stationed in Emerald, Cockatoo and Mirboo North, ready to be connected to provide backup power to town centres if the storm impacts the network. According to a statement earlier today from AusNet, the generators may be relocated to areas of most need as the storm impacts become clearer.
AusNet are encouraging people to be prepared as best they can for the damaging weather, including:
• Charging your mobile phone as well as battery packs so they're ready to power your mobile devices
• Having battery powered torches and radios on hand, with spare batteries
• Having cash on hand in case electronic payment systems go down
• Stocking up on essential food items and bottled water if you have an electric water pump
• Ensuring you can open your garage or fence manually
Authorities are reminding the public to avoid driving in dangerous conditions, to stay indoors where possible, and to keep clear of floodwaters and downed powerlines. Those in need of emergency assistance are advised to contact the SES (132 500) or report power outages to AusNet Services (https://www.ausnetservices.com.au/outages/report-a-fault/report-a-fault-form).
Stay informed through emergency broadcasters including ABC Local Radio and official websites (including www.emergency.vic.gov.au) for the latest updates and safety advice.
