In short:
A rare tornado has torn through Wyndham, damaging homes, flooding streets and cutting power to thousands. The storm made it Melbourne’s wettest day in 18 months.
A powerful tornado has ripped through Wyndham, unleashing chaos across the region during the city’s wettest day in 18 months. The Bureau of Meteorology confirmed the rare weather event struck on Sunday, carving a destructive path through several suburbs including Manor Lakes, Wyndham Vale, Werribee and Hoppers Crossing.
Residents described scenes of devastation as roofs were torn apart, fences flattened, and debris hurled through the air. Purchas Street in Werribee was among the worst hit, with homes severely damaged and one resident’s pergola sent flying into nearby powerlines. Widespread flooding also hit low-lying areas including Point Cook as drains overflowed under the intense downpour.
Senior forecaster Mark Anolak from the Bureau of Meteorology confirmed the system was indeed a tornado. “It looks pretty clear that it was a tornado that moved through,” he told ABC Melbourne. “Thankfully the significant weather has now cleared off to the east.”
The storm left more than 25,000 homes across Wyndham and neighbouring suburbs without power as gale-force winds brought down trees and powerlines. It also marked Melbourne’s wettest day since April 2024, with a massive 35mm of rain recorded.
Cleanup crews continue working through the aftermath today, with emergency services clearing fallen trees, repairing damaged infrastructure, and supporting affected residents. Locals say the event will be remembered as one of the most intense weather moments in Wyndham’s history.
