A roof was torn off a live music venue in Brunswick, Melbourne, during a storm that brought strong winds, hail, and heavy rain to the city on a recent afternoon. Emergency services were alerted just after 4.30 pm regarding the incident, which trapped seven individuals inside the venue, according to Fire Rescue Victoria (FRV).
Upon arrival, firefighters discovered that a six-metre section of the roof had collapsed onto an awning. Fortunately, one person was assessed at the scene but did not require further treatment. Firefighters successfully evacuated the patrons, and emergency measures consequently led to the closure of outbound traffic on Sydney Road.
Simultaneously, heavy rain caused significant disruptions across Melbourne, leading to the closure of multiple key roads and resulting in a frustrating commute for motorists. Flooding forced the temporary closure of the Montague Street exit from the city-bound lanes of the West Gate Freeway. The popular Southbank bar, Ponyfish Island, was also affected as the Yarra River level rose.
Elsewhere, Port Melbourne experienced severe flooding near Lorimer Street, which compounded the difficulties for drivers. Brighton’s iconic beach boxes faced inundation due to high tides coinciding with the storm.
These harsh weather conditions are attributed to a deep low-pressure system and a cold front moving through the southeastern states, with temperatures across Victoria lingering below 12 degrees Celsius. Wind gusts reached nearly 80 km/h in St Kilda, according to the Bureau of Meteorology.
In the days ahead, forecasts indicate a powerful cold front and additional cooling showers that may make temperatures feel even colder—by three to seven degrees—than actual readings.