A storm blew in overnight, with heavy winds, rain and some hail. I was awakened by the wind in the trees and the front porch light that kept coming on, then off. The weather bureau said that some of the wind strengths across Melbourne's eastern suburbs were the strongest wind gusts ever recorded.
By morning, the extent of the damage was evident. Fallen trees had blocked roads across Melbourne, half a million homes had lost power, and houses lost their roof. Some homes are still without power, 12 hours later, and they may not get their power back until early next week. Several schools were also closed, and students were sent home.
Whenever we get a storm like this, it reminds me that I should ring the tree lopper to come and cut down the tree in the backyard that leans towards my home. Fortunately for me, it didn't come crashing down on my house overnight.
This massive storm is the second one this year that has caused significant damage and disruption to daily life. Of course, we have been used to storms of such severity, but it is an inconvenience when you can't drive down your street because a tree has fallen across it.
By morning, the extent of the damage was evident. Fallen trees had blocked roads across Melbourne, half a million homes had lost power, and houses lost their roof. Some homes are still without power, 12 hours later, and they may not get their power back until early next week. Several schools were also closed, and students were sent home.
Whenever we get a storm like this, it reminds me that I should ring the tree lopper to come and cut down the tree in the backyard that leans towards my home. Fortunately for me, it didn't come crashing down on my house overnight.
This massive storm is the second one this year that has caused significant damage and disruption to daily life. Of course, we have been used to storms of such severity, but it is an inconvenience when you can't drive down your street because a tree has fallen across it.
By the way how large is that backyard tree?