The Australian MotoGP at Phillip Island was cancelled after wild weather and poor visibility prevented the medical helicopter from flying, leaving thousands of fans without the final race at the iconic circuit.
Track action was repeatedly delayed on Sunday as strong winds and rain swept across Victoria. Organisers said the helicopter needed to be available to land at the circuit and reach the nearest trauma centre in Melbourne if a rider was injured.
The MotoGP warm-up session and Australian Superbikes Race 3 were cancelled in the morning, while the Moto3 race was abandoned in the early afternoon. The event was formally called off shortly after 3.30pm.
Melbourne recorded more than 22mm of rain in the 12 hours to midday, while Altona in the city’s south-west received 40mm over 24 hours. A severe thunderstorm warning remained in place across north-east Victoria, including Wodonga, Corryong, Bright, Falls Creek, Mount Hotham and Omeo.
The state is facing a sharp drop in temperatures after a week of conditions in the low 30s. Melbourne was expected to reach 19C on Sunday but feel colder as winds strengthened, with the temperature forecast to fall to 16C on Monday and 17C on Tuesday.
Bureau of Meteorology senior forecaster Michael Efron said the change was typical of spring in Victoria, when temperatures can swing dramatically between hot and cold conditions.
“There will be some flurries, especially at resorts like Mount Baw Baw, with all this cold air pushing through, and even the risk of some small hail along the coast overnight tonight and into the early hours of Monday,” he said.
Snow flurries are expected in the Alpine region on Monday and Tuesday, while temperatures are forecast to recover to 25C in Melbourne by Saturday. More settled spring weather is expected for the Melbourne Cup.
Health authorities have also warned of a heightened risk of thunderstorm asthma in East Gippsland, where high grass pollen levels could combine with strong winds and thunderstorms.
Acting chief health officer Dr Clare Looker urged people with asthma or spring hay fever to carry reliever medication and remain indoors with windows and doors closed during the strongest gusts and storms.
“Asthma can become serious very quickly, so make sure you have your reliever medication with you and call Triple Zero if someone is struggling to breathe or their asthma is not improving,” she said.
