Another emergency warning has been issued as firefighters continue to battle an out-of-control bushfire in the Grampians, Victoria.
Meanwhile, residents embark on a clean-up after a day of storms left hundreds of homes damaged, including some with their roofs ripped off.
Overnight, authorities told residents of Mirranatwa in the Grampians to “leave immediately” as the bushfire travels south.
“Leaving immediately is the safest option, before conditions become too dangerous,” the warning on the Vic Emergency website read.
“Emergency services may not be able to help you if you decide to stay.”
Although not yet under control, the spread of the fire has been slowed, as crews work to contain it.
Those who were able to leave and have no other place to stay, are urged to travel to the Hamilton Emergency Relief Centre at 113 Brown Street, Hamilton, which is open from 9am to 7pm but has a phone number for out-of-hours service.
Another hot day is expected to trouble firefighters battling blazes around the state, with tops of up to 35 degrees after a warm night.
But a cool change is anticipated to sweep through mid-afternoon.
More thunderstorms are also expected around the state after hundreds of homes were battered and damaged yesterday.
One, in Taylors Lakes, Melbourne, caught alight after a lightning strike yesterday morning.
But it was Geelong which bore the brunt of the damage, at the epicentre of a major storm.
Melbourne’s sky turns a shade of purple amid severe storms
The SES received about 950 calls for assistance during the storms yesterday, with about half of those coming from Geelong.
Images showed houses with trees fallen on them and others with their roofs ripped off, after 80km/hr winds were recorded.
