Australia Day & Thunderstorms

What is it with Australia Day in Melbourne… this is the second year that the announcment of the Australian Blog Awards winners might be delayed b/c of an electrical storm.

From the BOM:

TOP PRIORITY FOR IMMEDIATE BROADCAST
VICTORIAN SEVERE THUNDERSTORM WARNING
for damaging winds
For people in the Western, Central, Wimmera, North Central, Northeast, Alpine,
Northern Country districts and Gippsland.
Issued at 5:30 pm EDT on Thursday 26 January 2006

Thunderstorms have developed in the Western, Central, Wimmera, North Central,
Northeast, Alpine, Gippsland and Northern Country districts. Wind gusts to 110
km/hr are possible with these thunderstorms.

In the interests of community safety the SES suggests some simple precautions:
- Secure any loose objects in the vicinity of your home, then:
- Stay indoors if possible
- If you are outdoors, avoid sheltering under trees
- Listen to the radio station for the storm updates
- Switch off computers and electrical appliances
- Do not drive vehicles through flooded areas

The next warning is due to be issued by 8.30pm Thursday

Fingers crossed it passes quickly.

Update: It’s not looking good…