Melbourne weather as it happened: Delays at airport after deluge, widespread power outages, building damage, roads flooded; Emergency warnings ease
Sydney Morning Herald
by Alexander DarlingFebruary 24, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
Melbourne experienced severe weather disruptions as intense storms caused widespread chaos. The city faced significant challenges including airport delays due to heavy rainfall, widespread power outages, building damage, and flooded roads. Emergency services received over 190 calls for assistance, with areas like Heidelberg, Craigieburn, and Gisborne being particularly affected by tree falls and flash flooding. SES volunteers were actively managing the situation, blocking flooded roads and aiding in recovery efforts.
The rainfall was exceptionally heavy, with some areas recording over 30 mm within an hour. Melbourne Airport alone saw 21.4 mm of rain in just 23 minutes, causing disruptions. Other regions like Gippsland and northeast Victoria experienced torrential downpours, with Glencairn registering a staggering 31.2 mm in 18 minutes. These rapid accumulations led to flash flooding, stranding residents and damaging infrastructure.
Despite the easing of some emergency warnings, the threat persists as storm systems move eastward towards regions like Drouin
Verticals
worldaustralia
Originally published on Sydney Morning Herald on 2/24/2026