Thousands without power as sudden thunderstorm lashes Melbourne

In Melbourne’s south-east, United Energy reported 866 customers without power, including one outage in Mount Eliza and another in Nunawading. Parts of Chadstone are also without power.

In western Victoria and central Melbourne, Powercor reported 2118 unplanned customers off supply at 12.40pm. In eastern Victoria, AusNet reported just 46 customers without power shortly before 1pm as storms were largely yet to hit Gippsland.

The weather bureau forecast a top of 27 degrees in Melbourne on Sunday with up to 20 millimetres of rain possible.

Possibly severe thunderstorms with damaging winds, large hail and heavy falls were predicted about the nearby hills in the afternoon and evening.