The Australian Energy Market Operator confirmed a "significant power system event" unfolded during the storms.Communities in western Victoria told to take shelter as multiple fires burn out of controlEnergy Minister Lily D'Ambrosio has taken to social media to confirm 500,000 homes are without power due to the physical collapse of transmission towers after she met with the AEMO chief executive.
"These power outages are due to high temperatures, strong winds and lightning causing damage to the electricity network," the spokesperson said.Meanwhile, dozens of metropolitan train lines have been suspended while others are facing major delays due to the weather.After mostly dry, hot and windy conditions this morning, the severe thunderstorms and lightning rolled across central parts of Victoria and Melbourne this afternoon.
The storms were so fierce they ripped the roof off one house in Melbourne, scattering debris over the road.