Severe storm causes power outages and train cancellations; Hume Freeway closes due to major truck crash
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Victoria is currently grappling with a series of unfortunate events that have caused significant disruptions to the daily lives of its residents.
A truck crash on the Hume Freeway, coupled with severe storms, has led to widespread power outages and the cancellation of several train services.
The Hume Freeway, a critical artery for Victoria's road network, has been closed in the northbound direction at Donnybrook Road due to a truck collision.
The truck appears to have jack-knifed, causing a power pole to lean dangerously over the freeway.
The incident has resulted in a significant traffic backlog, with a seven-kilometre queue of vehicles near the Amaroo Road exit.
The Victorian Department of Transport has advised motorists heading away from Melbourne to divert via Donnybrook Road, Merriang Road, and the Wallan-Whittlesea Road to rejoin the freeway.
Delays for Melbourne-bound traffic have also been reported, starting at Beveridge and extending towards the crash site. It remains unclear when the freeway will be reopened.
Adding to the chaos, a severe storm has swept across the state, leaving tens of thousands of Victorians without power.
Major power companies have confirmed that over 30,000 customers have been affected, with outages reported in Port Melbourne, Keilor Downs, Taylors Lakes, Tarneit, and Melton in the city's west.
Regional areas such as Warrnambool, Geelong, Ballarat, Bendigo, Rochester, and Kyabram have also been impacted.
Powercor has stated that the unplanned outages are under investigation. Meanwhile, crews are reportedly working to restore power.
The storms have also disrupted public transport, with some regional and metro train lines suspended.
Buses are replacing trains on the Craigieburn line between Broadmeadows and Craigieburn, on the Hurstbridge line between Greensborough and Hurstbridge, and on the Seymour/Shepparton line between Southern Cross, Wallan, and Seymour.
Public Transport Victoria has urged passengers to 'check station platform displays, listen for announcements, and allow extra time'.
The Bureau of Meteorology has issued a severe weather warning, forecasting more storms and possible flash flooding.
The thunderstorms are reportedly moving East and Southeast.
Drivers are being advised to avoid the roads due to dangerous conditions, including potential fallen trees.
'If driving conditions are dangerous, safely pull over away from trees, drains, low-lying areas and floodwater,' the alert read.
'Avoid dangerous hazards such as floodwater, mud, debris, damaged roads and fallen trees.'
This series of events comes on the heels of the devastating storms and floods that claimed ten lives on Australia's East Coast over the Christmas and New Year period.
A separate severe thunderstorm warning has also been issued for parts of the Central, Mallee, Northern Country, North Central, and Wimmera districts.
Have you been affected by the recent disruptions in Victoria? Share your experiences and any tips you have for coping with such situations in the comments below.
A truck crash on the Hume Freeway, coupled with severe storms, has led to widespread power outages and the cancellation of several train services.
The Hume Freeway, a critical artery for Victoria's road network, has been closed in the northbound direction at Donnybrook Road due to a truck collision.
The truck appears to have jack-knifed, causing a power pole to lean dangerously over the freeway.
The incident has resulted in a significant traffic backlog, with a seven-kilometre queue of vehicles near the Amaroo Road exit.
Storm hits Victoria and truck crashes along Hume Freeway. Image source: Freepik.
The Victorian Department of Transport has advised motorists heading away from Melbourne to divert via Donnybrook Road, Merriang Road, and the Wallan-Whittlesea Road to rejoin the freeway.
Delays for Melbourne-bound traffic have also been reported, starting at Beveridge and extending towards the crash site. It remains unclear when the freeway will be reopened.
Adding to the chaos, a severe storm has swept across the state, leaving tens of thousands of Victorians without power.
Major power companies have confirmed that over 30,000 customers have been affected, with outages reported in Port Melbourne, Keilor Downs, Taylors Lakes, Tarneit, and Melton in the city's west.
Regional areas such as Warrnambool, Geelong, Ballarat, Bendigo, Rochester, and Kyabram have also been impacted.
Powercor has stated that the unplanned outages are under investigation. Meanwhile, crews are reportedly working to restore power.
The storms have also disrupted public transport, with some regional and metro train lines suspended.
Buses are replacing trains on the Craigieburn line between Broadmeadows and Craigieburn, on the Hurstbridge line between Greensborough and Hurstbridge, and on the Seymour/Shepparton line between Southern Cross, Wallan, and Seymour.
Public Transport Victoria has urged passengers to 'check station platform displays, listen for announcements, and allow extra time'.
The Bureau of Meteorology has issued a severe weather warning, forecasting more storms and possible flash flooding.
The thunderstorms are reportedly moving East and Southeast.
Drivers are being advised to avoid the roads due to dangerous conditions, including potential fallen trees.
'If driving conditions are dangerous, safely pull over away from trees, drains, low-lying areas and floodwater,' the alert read.
'Avoid dangerous hazards such as floodwater, mud, debris, damaged roads and fallen trees.'
This series of events comes on the heels of the devastating storms and floods that claimed ten lives on Australia's East Coast over the Christmas and New Year period.
A separate severe thunderstorm warning has also been issued for parts of the Central, Mallee, Northern Country, North Central, and Wimmera districts.
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