While the storm itself only lasted around 15 minutes, its strong front managed to cause uprooted trees, fallen branches and building damage across the region.
At 4.37 pm the Bureau of Meteorology recorded winds of up to 95 km/h in the Shepparton area.
Less than 15 minutes later wind speeds had died down by 50 km/h and around 7 mls of rainfall was recorded.
The storm brought with it widespread power outages across Greater Shepparton with a Powercor spokesperson confirming around 7000 customers were without power on Saturday afternoon after the storm hit.
“It really came down to four large faults which meant that once we were able to restore those we were able to get customers restored quickly and large numbers of them,” the spokesperson said.
While power was restored within Greater Shepparton by Saturday evening, residents in Benalla and Eildon remained without power overnight with around 1000 customers in Benalla and more than 500 in Eildon affected.
The storm also caused havoc to train lines, with passengers travelling on V/Line trains between Shepparton and Seymour facing lengthy delays due to trees and debris falling along the tracks.
The 4.07 pm Shepparton to Southern Cross train encountered extensive delays with V/Line confirming it was unsafe to de-train passengers in the locations where the train was stopped.
Other service impacts included the 6.16 pm Seymour to Southern Cross service and the 7.55 pm Southern Cross to Seymour service, which were both replaced by coaches.
A V/Line spokesperson confirmed the 6.32 pm Southern Cross to Shepparton train was terminated at Seymour and replaced by coaches, while the 8.25 pm Seymour to Southern Cross service departed 57 minutes late.
“We apologise to Shepparton and Seymour line passengers whose travel plans were disrupted or delayed yesterday and thank them for their patience . . . the inclement weather led to several obstructions on the track causing delays and changes to Shepparton and Seymour services,” a V/Line spokesperson said.
“We understand these delays were very frustrating for passengers on-board but their safety and that of our staff remains our number one priority so we thank them for their patience.”
Compensation may be available to passengers who experience a delay of 60 minutes or more in a single V/Line journey. To apply or find out more call 1800 800 007.
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Emergency services kept busy during Saturday’s storm
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