Severe weather refers to any significant, hazardous atmospheric conditions that can cause damage to life, property, and the environment. It typically includes phenomena such as thunderstorms, tornadoes, hurricanes, blizzards, heavy rainfall, extreme heat, and winter storms. Severe weather is characterized by its potential to produce extreme winds, heavy precipitation, hail, and lightning, which can lead to dangerous situations, including flooding, power outages, and disruption to daily life. Meteorologists monitor and forecast severe weather events to issue warnings and alerts, helping communities prepare for and respond to such conditions. Extreme weather events are often the result of complex interactions in the atmosphere and can vary significantly in intensity and duration. Understanding severe weather is crucial for public safety, emergency management, and disaster preparedness.
Severe storms in Northeast Victoria caused significant power outages affecting 13,500 customers. Lightning strikes were the primary cause of disruptions in areas like Benalla, Wodonga, Wangaratta, and Myrtleford. Ground crews,…