Severe Storms Cause Chaos in Wyndham: SES Responding to Widespread Damage

The State Emergency Service Unit Controller for Wyndham is urging residents to remain patient as they deal with the aftermath of thunderstorms that swept through the area on Tuesday afternoon.

Thousands of homes lost power, traffic lights went out and public transport services delayed when the storms began to moving across Wyndham by mid afternoon. Laurie Russell said the impact of the afternoon storms was affecting the SES response too.

“There is some congestion on the emergency services telecommunications system,” he said. “There’s a big wait on the system because everyone’s busy.”

Mr. Russell said traffic delays caused by the storms meant he didn’t have as many members as he would have liked. “Most of them are caught up in traffic jams.”

The congestion isn’t just confined to the roads with train commuters on the Werribee line advised to seek alternative transport home.

While power has returned to many homes in Werribee, areas further west such as Manor Lakes and Little River could be without power until 11 pm tonight. Laurie Russell said the main focus of his crews late on Tuesday afternoon was removing large trees that had blown over, including those in Werribee South.

“The pine trees in Werribee South are pretty big trees. They’re blocking Beach Road.” He said removing them was a priority in case other emergency services were called out to the area.

He said SES crews were doing their best and that while there might be a wait, those needing help would receive it. “We know that people want help. We prioritize what we’re doing.”