Tornado Melbourne: Werribee–Hoppers Crossing hit as rare twister cuts power to 25,000 on city’s wettest day in 18 months

A confirmed tornado tore through Melbourne’s western suburbs on Sunday, carving a narrow path of destruction across Werribee, Hoppers Crossing and Wyndham Vale during an afternoon burst of severe storms. Emergency crews fielded more than 600 calls for assistance, with early tallies pointing to about 260 buildings damaged, roof tiles torn away and trees flung across streets. At the peak, over 25,000 customers lost power across Greater Melbourne and western Victoria.

What happened and when

A vigorous storm line crossed the metro area mid-afternoon Sunday, Oct. 26 (local time). Forecasters said the damage pattern matched a classic tornado signature: a tight, linear swath of uprooted trees, stripped roofing and light-structure failures tracking northeast across the Wyndham corridor. Residents described a sudden roar, debris lofted into the air and a wind shift that hit “all at once,” leaving streets littered with sheets of corrugated iron and broken fencing.

The same system delivered around 35 mm of rain in the city—Melbourne’s wettest day since April 2024—with brief flash flooding reported in low-lying pockets, including parts of Newport on the inner south-west bay fringe.

Where the tornado Melbourne impact was worst

• Werribee / Hoppers Crossing / Wyndham Vale: Concentrated roof damage, fences down, trampolines and outdoor structures displaced; multiple streets blocked by fallen trees.

• Surrounding western suburbs: Isolated property damage consistent with the outer edges of the vortex and severe straight-line winds.

• Inner south-west bayside: Localised flooding from intense burst rainfall and blocked drains.

Authorities said that, as of late Sunday, no serious injuries had been confirmed from the tornado itself, though several residents reported minor knocks and shock as debris struck homes and yards.

Power, transport and clean-up

Utilities worked through the night to make safe downed lines and reroute supply; restoration is prioritised first for critical services and densely affected feeders. Some homes with damaged meter boxes or roof cavities may require a licensed electrician’s clearance before reconnection.

• Roads: Expect intermittent closures where arborists are felling unstable limbs. Treat all downed wires as live and keep well clear.

• Trains/buses: Weather-related delays are possible on western corridors; check day-of updates before commuting.

• Waste & debris: Councils are arranging storm-waste drop-off guidance; separate green waste from mixed debris to speed collection.

Insurance and documentation checklist

1. Photograph damage inside and out before moving items; keep receipts for urgent repairs and temporary accommodation.

2. Protect from further loss: Tarp roofs, board windows where safe; emergency “make-safe” costs are generally claimable.

3. List serial numbers/valuables and note water-affected rooms by level.

4. Do not operate appliances exposed to water until checked.

Why this tornado formed

Spring’s clash of very cold upper air and warm, moisture-rich surface air primed the atmosphere over Victoria on Sunday. A wind profile that veered with height (winds changing direction and speed from the surface upward) created the shear needed for a thunderstorm updraft to rotate. In Melbourne’s west, that rotation tightened at the surface, producing a brief but intense tornado embedded within the broader storm line.

Safety guidance for the next 24–48 hours

• Stay clear of unstable structures and partially lifted roofing—secondary collapses are common after high wind.

• Chainsaw and ladder safety: Wear eye/ear protection; never cut overhead while on a ladder. Leave large or tensioned limbs to professionals.

• Health: Dust and fibre from damaged roofs can irritate lungs; wear a mask and gloves when clearing debris.

• Mental wellbeing: Storms are traumatic. Check in on neighbours, especially older residents and families with young children.

Community support and how to help

State emergency volunteers will continue rapid impact assessments today, triaging unsafe homes and urgent needs. Local councils are opening information hubs for permits, insurance documentation and counselling referrals. If you’re unaffected and wish to help, consider registering with recognised volunteer platforms rather than self-deploying; coordinated efforts speed recovery and reduce duplication.

What’s next in the forecast

The severe weather warning tied to Sunday’s outbreak has now eased east of Melbourne, but residual showers and gusty breezes may continue today. Forecasters will review radar, damage surveys and videos to finalise the tornado’s intensity rating and path length. Any subsequent wind changes or showers could complicate roof tarping—plan outdoor repairs for calmer windows and secure coverings against renewed gusts.

The tornado Melbourne event was short, violent and targeted—typical of Australian spring twisters embedded in fast-moving storm lines. Western suburbs bore the brunt, with power outages, structural damage and blocked streets. With injuries limited and utilities progressing on restorations, the focus turns to safe clean-up, documentation and steady support for the hardest-hit streets.