Two major bushfires in Victoria have forced evacuations and destroyed at least one home, while wild winds and storms continue to cause chaos across eastern Australia. Firefighters are battling to control the fires in Victoria’s west, with potential flash flooding and heavy rainfall affecting parts of Victoria, New South Wales, and Tasmania.
In Victoria, fire warnings were issued for areas near the Grampians and the Otway Ranges, including Lavers Hill, where it remains unsafe for residents to return. Emergency Management Commissioner Rick Nugget called it an “incredibly challenging day,” with strong winds and high temperatures fueling over 80 grassfires. As of Sunday, two major fires at Chapple Vale and Kadnook are still out of control, burning over 1,900 hectares combined. One home was confirmed destroyed in Kadnook, with the possibility of two more homes lost.
More than 200 assistance requests have been made across the state due to storms causing hail, lightning, fallen trees, and power outages. In Shepparton, 70 requests have been made, primarily for building damage and downed power lines. The Bureau of Meteorology reported a significant temperature drop in the Grampians, easing conditions slightly, but a moderate to high fire danger remains as winds persist.
Elsewhere, severe weather warnings are in place for parts of Victoria’s north-east, central NSW, the Australian Capital Territory (ACT), and north-east Tasmania. A cold front has brought heavy rainfall, damaging winds, and the threat of flash floods, particularly in high alpine areas. Winds of up to 148km/h have been recorded in Victoria, with gusts reaching 131km/h at Mount Buller.
A total fire ban is in effect for parts of New South Wales and southern Queensland as temperatures in some areas rise into the low 40s. Severe thunderstorms are also hitting central NSW, including Parkes and Nyngan, with damaging winds and large hailstones expected.
As the cold front moves through the region, weather conditions are predicted to ease by Sunday evening, though the risk of further storms and fires remains high. Residents are urged to stay informed and take precautions as severe weather continues to impact large parts of the country.