Melbourne hit by heavy storms causing flash flooding, transport delays, emergency callouts

Updated

Sorry, this video has expired Video: Flash flooding in Melbourne as heavy storms hit (ABC News)

Victoria's State Emergency Service has responded to more than 1,200 calls for help after wild weather caused havoc across the state.

There was flash flooding in several Melbourne suburbs on Thursday and the heavy rain caused flight delays and disrupted metropolitan and country rail services.

The roof of a Frankston house collapsed and SES state duty officer Andrew Murton said several motorists had to be rescued after attempting to drive across flooded roads.

"There is a lot of water around with the flash flooding that has occurred," he said.

Sections of the Western Ring Road and the Tullamarine Freeway were closed in both directions while services on all major rail lines are delayed with the Pakenham and Stony Point lines suspended.

The Bureau of Meteorology recorded 18.4 millimetres of rain in 10 minutes at Oakleigh South and 14.6mm of rain in 10 minutes at St Kilda.

Glen Iris, Port Phillip and Moorabbin worst hit

The most affected areas in Melbourne were Glen Iris, Port Phillip and Moorabbin, emergency services said.

Earlier, flooding caused major delays on the Frankston and Sandringham train lines and affected tram routes.

Flights in and out of Melbourne Airport were also delayed but are now operating as usual.

Emergency services have issued flash flood warnings, including for catchments areas at Werribee, Maribyrnong, Yarra, Dandenong and Bunyip.

VicRoads said several major roads had experienced flooding, including the Western Ring Road at Tullamarine, the West Gate Freeway outbound at Kings Way, Albert Road at Canterbury Road and Queens Road.

Buckley Street at Footscray, York Street in South Melbourne and Geelong Road were also flooded.

Emergency services have warned motorists not to drive through floodwaters.

Topics: storm-event, weather, melbourne-3000

First posted