By JESSE GRAHAM
HIGH winds are causing problems throughout the Yarra Ranges today forcing Healesville Sanctuary to close, as well as stopping traffic and causing power outages.
Powerlines have fallen in Badger Creek earlier this afternoon, and the CFA is urging drivers to stay safe as intense weather hits the valley.
The powerlines were knocked down at around noon today, falling across driveways and the intersection of Chalet and Swiss Chalet Road.
Badger Creek CFA is currently on the scene, and incident controller, Murray Ellis, said the power had shorted out on the lines, and that they posed no current threat.
“But, even if you know they’re dead, you’ve got to treat them as live,” Mr Ellis said.
“Basically, we’re just here to make sure that everyone stays safe, and that there’s no more trouble until the power company comes down to rectify the problem.
“There’re powerlines down all through the valley, so it’s going to be quite a while before a crew gets out here.”
Mr Ellis urged drivers to be careful, with strong winds expected to continue hitting the area throughout the afternoon and evening.
“There’s a lot of branches falling and the possibility of trees falling, so be very careful,” he said.
The Bureau of Meteorology issued a warning this morning, that winds up to 110km/h are forecast for areas across the north east areas of the state.
The SES has advised residents to move vehicles under cover and away from trees, secure loose items around their yards and to keep clear of fallen power lines.
A tree has also fell across two of three lanes at the intersection of Maroondah Highway and St Huberts Road in Coldstream.
The powerlines were knocked down at around noon today, falling across driveways and the intersection of Chalet and Swiss Chalet Road.
Badger Creek CFA is currently on the scene, and incident controller, Murray Ellis, said the power had shorted out on the lines, and that they posed no current threat.
“But, even if you know they’re dead, you’ve got to treat them as live,” Mr Ellis said.
“Basically, we’re just here to make sure that everyone stays safe, and that there’s no more trouble until the power company comes down to rectify the problem.
“There’re powerlines down all through the valley, so it’s going to be quite a while before a crew gets out here.”
Mr Ellis urged drivers to be careful, with strong winds expected to continue hitting the area throughout the afternoon and evening.
“There’s a lot of branches falling and the possibility of trees falling, so be very careful,” he said.
The Bureau of Meteorology issued a warning this morning, that winds up to 110km/h are forecast for areas across the north east areas of the state.
The SES has advised residents to move vehicles under cover and away from trees, secure loose items around their yards and to keep clear of fallen power lines.
A tree has also fell across two of three lanes at the intersection of Maroondah Highway and St Huberts Road in Coldstream.
Trains were delayed on the Belgrave line earlier today when a tree fell on railway lines between Upper Ferntree Gully and Upwey.
It’s believed wild winds have caused power to go out in Monbulk.
It’s believed wild winds have caused power to go out in Monbulk.
