IT was Groundhog Day for Heywood’s State Emergency Service crews last week as another major storm front hit the region almost exactly a week after a record-breaking storm lashed the South West on January 6.

A severe thunderstorm warning was issued for the South West on Thursday last week, with the Bureau of Meteorology predicting damaging winds, heavy rainfall and hail for the region.

Despite the warning, the storm all but missed Portland, although Heywood and its surrounds were not so lucky.

Heywood SES controller Adrian Hodgens said visibility was down to a few metres during the storm and strong gusts of winds brought down at least 38 trees around the Heywood and Drumborg area.

“We were out from around 7pm until 10pm cleaning up after the storm,” he said.

“There were six crew members out on the night who worked together with crews from Woodrowe to clear the roads of almost 40 downed trees.

“Our community is incredibly resilient and most people know exactly what to do to look after themselves and their properties during events like this so we’re lucky in that respect but we’re here to help out when they need us.”

Mr Hodgens praised the response of the community, but reminded motorists to drive to the conditions.

“It’s not just driving in the storm you have to be wary of, but you have to remember hazards ca remain long after the storm has passed,” he said.

“We’d much rather be called out to a downed tree than a car accident caused by the storm or by someone hitting a downed tree.

“If you have to drive during a storm or immediately after just make sure you drive to the conditions and are wary of what’s happening around you.”

Portland SES controller Scott McFarlane said the storm brought concern for reoccurring damage in the wake of the previous week’s weather event, but the city was left relatively unscathed.

“This time we just had a quick flash of rain and then it was all over,” he said.

“We were ready and waiting for something big to happen but luckily there was only one tree down and one report of building damage for the night.

“We’ve been told to expect more rain and larger weather events this summer so we’re prepared if another one comes through.

“It’s also fire danger season so that’s another aspect we have to be wary of – but we’re ready to go if and when anything happens.” For assistance with flood and storm related damage call the SES on 132 500.