Wind warning across Yarra Ranges

A narrow escape. 183945_01. Pictures: Kath Gannaway.

By Kath Gannaway

The passenger in a car travelling on Don Road in Healesville this morning (Friday 10 August) had a lucky escape when a branch came through the windscreen.

The driver and passenger escaped further injury, continuing on as the tree came down across the road behind them.

It is believed the passenger received minor injuries and has been taken to Maroondah Hospital for observation.

The Bureau of Meteorology has issued a severe weather warning for destructive winds ahead of a cold front with winds predicted to continue into Friday afternoon and easing overnight.

The State Emergency Service reports trees down across Yarra Ranges including at Powelltown, Olinda, Millgrove, Belgrave South, Healesville, Warburton and Menzies Creek.

The SES advises that people should:

* Move vehicles under cover or away from trees;

* Secure or put away loose items around your house, yard and balcony;

* Keep clear of fallen power lines.

Yarra Ranges Council had a grader at the Don Road incident and are waiting for fallen power lines to be cleared before they can remove the tree.

Police are diverting traffic around the area which is between St Margaret’s Road and Toora Crescent, opposite the Don Road Sporting Complex.

Drivers and pedestrians are advised to avoid the area.

If you require VICSES assistance call 132500. If a situation is life-threatening call Triple Zero ‘000’.