Hundreds of homes in Ballarat were left without power as storms lashed the city this afternoon.
The storm rolled through the region about 4pm, prompting a spike in calls to emergency services as several fires broke out including near electronic music festival Rainbow Serpent in Lexton.
Electricity company Powercor estimated electricity would be returned to the city about 7.30pm.
Australia Day fireworks at Lake Wendouree were briefly thrown into doubt following the storms, but City of Ballarat confirmed at 6.15pm the fireworks would go ahead as scheduled.
Ballarat residents took to social media to share news of the rain during Australia Day celebrations.
EARLIER: A fire that broke out near electronic music festival Rainbow Serpent as a lightning storm moved through has been brought under control.
Authorities had issued a watch and act alert for residents in Amphitheatre, Chute, Lexton and Mount Lonarch following reports of the blaze about 3.45pm along Jack Smiths Lane, which is close to the festival’s campsite.
“This grassfire is 400m from the Rainbow Serpent festival,” authorities had warned.
“It is travelling towards the festival. People at Rainbow Serpent should stay at the festival but move away from the fire. Do not attempt to leave the festival in your car. Follow the instructions of the festival organisers.”
Police were already at the festival as fire crews travelled to the scene, bringing the fire under control about 4.30pm.
A fire also emerged in Waubra, which was brought under control.
