STRONG wind and heavy rain in the early hours of yesterday morning have created havoc across Gippsland.
The Victoria SES East Region Gippsland have reported 60 assistance requests, with most calls coming from West and South Gippsland.
Wonthaggi, Phillip Island, and Corinella were also hit by strong winds and sea water storm surges.
More than 2500 calls for assistance have been received by Victoria SES from across the state since midnight yesterday.
SES committee resilience coordinator Louise Haughton said the Gippsland region had experienced wind gusts of up to 130 kilometres per hour.
Ms Haughton said the SES had responded to callouts including building damage, rooves peeling back and trampolines becoming airborne and causing damage in owner’s or neighbour’s yards.
She said trees were also down, with branches breaking and falling on vehicles and power outages reported in some areas.
SES Gippsland regional manager Jamie Twidale advised the Bureau of Meteorology were predicting winds to remain strong through to Sunday and those requiring assistance to phone the SES on 132 500.
“Some simple preparation tips include securing outdoor furniture, and trampolines,” Mr Twidale said.
“SES have been called to numerous jobs involving trampolines wedged into fences, caught in trees, and one damaging a neighbour’s window”.
