March 2010 Victoria storms

One of the most severe storms passed directly over Greater Melbourne, bringing lightning, flash flooding, very large hail and strong winds to the state's capital.

[3] The storms occurred during the Victorian Labour Day long weekend and affected a number of sporting events and festivals, many of which were postponed or cancelled.

Extensive storms and flash flooding also affected Melbourne only weeks beforehand on 11 February 2010 and on 31 December 2009, while fellow capital city Perth suffered a similar fate on 22 March 2010.

[7] The resulting storms involved rotating winds around the low pressure centre, which acted like a "mini-cyclone" according to Bureau of Meteorology forecaster, Scott Williams.

The storms developed from a low pressure system to the west of Victoria, generating thunderstorms during the morning of 6 March,[8] which began travelling across the state roughly from northwest to southeast, passing directly through central Melbourne at around 2:40 pm.

At the storm's peak, a 400 kilometres (250 mi) band of rain and hail stretched across the state moving in a southeasterly direction.

[24] Paramedics treated around 20 people attending the Moomba Festival on the banks of the Yarra River for hail stone-related injuries.

The roof of The Arts Centre was badly hit, with Premier John Brumby stating that to repair "The damage bill will clearly run to the hundreds of thousands if not millions of dollars".

[24] Crown Casino was severely affected with its Village Cinema being closed as a result of flooding as well as banks of gaming tables and machines being cordoned off due to leaks.

Knox City Council set up a disaster relief centre to provide assistance and accommodation for residents with damaged homes.

[3] Elizabeth Street in the city, situated on a natural watercourse, was completely flooded as water travelled southwards down the hill towards the Yarra River.

Both the Domain and Burnley tunnels were closed due to flooding, causing traffic on the West Gate Freeway to stop.

Several trams ceased services in the city for the afternoon due to flooding, slowly reopening into the early evening.

A match between St. Kilda and Fremantle was initially cancelled but later revised to a later start time due to damage to Docklands Stadium.

Another match between Brisbane Lions and Geelong Cats at Visy Park, Carlton was cancelled due to lightning and heavy rain.

[28] The Moomba Festival celebrations, musical events and fireworks were cancelled after hail injured participants, paramedics treated 20 people in attendance.

[31] As a result of the storm, hundreds of cars damaged by hail were expected to be sold for large savings at showrooms and auction houses around Melbourne.

[32] One dealer stated that his cars would have to be sold for 20% off their list price due to hail damage on boots, bonnets and roofs.

[34] Melbourne University's School of Art in St Kilda Road was forced to remain closed all week due to flood damage.