A super cell thunderstorm battered Melbourne and its suburbs on March 6, causing severe damage to homes, businesses and vehicles from Flemington to Ferntree Gully. The storm system brought winds of up to 100 kmph (60 mph) to the region and dumped hailstones that measured around 100 mm (4 inches) in diameter, according to the Australian Bureau of Meteorology (BoM). Flash flooding was also reported as up to 45 mm (1.8 inches) of rain fell in around 30 minutes. Reports said Melbourne’s entire metropolitan area was hit by the severe weather, with officials saying the city’s eastern and southeastern areas were particularly badly affected, including Ferntree Gully, Knox, Lysterfield and Scoresby. The western suburbs of Melton and Essendon were also badly hit. No deaths or serious injuries were reported.

Continue reading…