A significant rain band is expected to cause flash flooding on the Border after a severe thunderstorm warning was issued for parts of the North East.
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The weather system hit around 3pm after impacting the Yarrawonga area, where gusts of up to 100 km/h were recorded.
The Lavington Square Shopping Centre was evacuated after parts of the roof in Big W reportedly caved in and Dean Street flooded.
There have been eight requests from households in the Wodonga and surrounding areas for flooding, and reports of building damage in Beechworth and Yarrawonga.
Thirty households were without power in Barnawartha and about the same number of people were without power in Yarrawonga.
Chiltern received 97 millimetres in seven hours, leaving some roads under water.
The Bureau of Meteorology had earlier issued a severe weather warning for the Alpine ranges, with destructive peak gusts of 130 km/h expected about the eastern ranges.
Mount Buffalo Road was closed shortly after 1.30 pm with trees down in the area and the Omeo Highway remains closed from Tatonga Lane in Tallangatta to Knocker Track in Glen Valley due to multiple trees across the road.
The latest update from VicTraffic advised SES had cut back 20 trees but it was unknown when the highway would reopen.
While police are still investigating the cause of a multi-vehicle crash on Alpine Way, a number of thunderstorms passed through the region.
Prepare to take shelter and be aware of potential hazards caused by the severe weather.
What you should do:
- Park your car undercover and away from trees.
- Stay inside if conditions outside appear dangerous.
- Contact family members and neighbours to ensure they are aware of the situation, if safe to do so.
- Check that loose items such as outdoor furniture, umbrellas and trampolines are safely secured before the severe weather arrives.
- Be aware of hazardous trees - recent storms may make trees unstable and more likely to fall during a storm.
If you are driving:
- If driving conditions are dangerous, safely pull over away from trees, drains, low lying areas and floodwater.
- Be aware of road hazards such as mud, debris and damaged roads or bridges.
- For road closure information, check the VicTraffic website, contact your local council or call VicRoads (13 11 70).
You should stay informed by listening to emergency broadcasters and monitoring warnings.
Call Triple Zero (000) in a life threatening emergency. For severe weather related emergency assistance from the SES, phone 132 500.
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