Melbourne’s tornado threat dropped

Anthony Colangelo
Nov 05, 2015, updated Nov 05, 2015

BoM has issued this image of the weather map during the storm. Photo: BoM

A tornado warning for parts of metropolitan Melbourne has been dropped, after one briefly moved through the north of the city on Thursday afternoon.

According to a Bureau of Meteorology (BoM) statement, released earlier today, destructive winds, heavy rainfall, large hailstones and tornadoes were ‘likely’ in parts of the south-east and north.

The Melbourne areas of Craigieburn, Campbellfield and Tullamarine were most at risk, they said.

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James Taylor from the BoM confirmed to The New Daily that a member of the public in Melbourne’s north spotted “a wind funnel touch the ground, which means it was a tornado”.

Taylor did add that no damage was reported – but that people in Melbourne should remain on alert for flash flooding and severe winds.

“It was very brief and no damage was reported,” he said.

“The thunderstorm that caused this tornado is now moving through the south-eastern suburbs of Melbourne.”

BoM had issued this image of the weather map during the storm. Photo: BoM

The BoM’s earlier statement warned that, at 1.50pm (AEDT), ‘very dangerous thunderstorms’ were detected.

“Destructive winds, heavy rainfall that may lead to flash flooding, large hailstones and tornadoes are likely.”

The State Emergency Service has advised that people should keep clear of fallen power lines and creeks and drains, and that they should not drive through flooded areas.

They also have said that people should stay indoors if possible, listen to the radio for storm updates and, if outside, avoid sheltering under trees.

Racing at Flemington for Oaks Day was delayed due to a heavy downpour, but looks to now be back underway.

Check out photos and video of the chaos below:

Here it comes! #storm #Melbourne pic.twitter.com/hDrwKox3gq

— Ben Lisson (@BenLisson) November 5, 2015

Severe thunderstorms moving into northwestern/western #Melbourne metro heading south. Will affect city shortly. pic.twitter.com/7tHBxFM8BP

— BOM Victoria (@BOM_Vic) November 5, 2015

Severe Thunderstorm Warning issued #Melbourne area. Reports received of tornado associated with storm NW of city. https://t.co/aIkuyx5v8a — BOM Victoria (@BOM_Vic) November 5, 2015

Race 5 has just become a lot more interesting… #OaksDay pic.twitter.com/3vNWcCeCUi

— Luxbet (@luxbet) November 5, 2015

The real mvp of #OaksDay #sunsoutgunsout pic.twitter.com/mg0ueMzxN3 — Alice! (@alice_r0se) November 5, 2015

Flooding, closures and even a #tornado warning. Take it easy out there #Melbourne #melbweather #victraffic pic.twitter.com/DiHuMtpec9

— Jimmy Traffic (@JimmyTraffic) November 5, 2015

The city has disappeared #oaksday #tornado pic.twitter.com/jz3vXACvsW — Thomas Price (@thomas_c_price) November 5, 2015

It still stands! These pics were taken ten minutes apart #Melbourne @abcnewsMelb @abcnews pic.twitter.com/8CbYpohKPG

— Ben Lisson (@BenLisson) November 5, 2015