A WOMAN was lucky to escape unscathed when a gum tree cracked and fell metres from where she was standing.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Scott Judd and Emily Williams were some of the many Ballarat residents affected by stormy conditions yesterday evening.
The Delacombe couple had recently cleared unstable trees, but that was not enough. Their neighbour’s gum cracked in half – smashing through their veranda roof and crushing their chicken coop.
Ms Williams, who was in shock after the accident, was glad her chickens were unharmed.
Thousands of Ballarat residents were without power after a number of trees brought down power lines across the city.
SES were called to 34 incidents in the region, 15 in central Ballarat. Spokeswoman Sally Lowenstein said severe winds caused building damage at several locations.
Bureau of Meterology data showed winds in Ballarat reached speeds of 41 km/h, with gusts topping 98 km/h.
