Vic storms forecast but no asthma event

Victorian authorities are warning of thunderstorms this weekend but don't expect the state to be hit by another asthma event.

Extra paramedics have been rostered on with Victorian authorities warning asthmatics to be aware but not alarmed ahead of predicted thunderstorms.

Experts aren't expecting another rare asthma event like the one 11 days ago which killed eight people.

But wild storms are forecast to lash the state on Sunday night and Monday morning following warmer conditions over the weekend.

Victoria's chief health officer Professor Charles Guest says asthma sufferers should ensure they have a nebuliser handy.

"No one should be alarmed but it's a good idea to be alert," he told reporters on Friday.

Ambulance Victoria state health commander Paul Holman says extra staff will be deployed on the road and in communication centres while others will be on call.

"We've learnt some lessons from last week (November 21) already. We're out there now preparing, looking at the risks and then trying to mitigate those risks," Mr Holman said.

Bureau of Meteorology regional manager Tarini Casinader says Sunday's conditions will be "significantly different" to November 21.

"Overall, the temperatures are forecast to be lower, winds less strong and the chance of thunderstorms is less," she said.

Thunderstorms can cause pollen grains to absorb moisture and burst into hundreds of tiny allergenic fragments which deeply penetrate victims' airways. They can affect those who have never had asthma before.

Victoria's Inspector-General for Emergency Management is leading a review examining how Ambulance Victoria and other emergency services responded and how the community was notified of the event.

The eight deaths will also be investigated as part of the review.


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Source: AAP


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Vic storms forecast but no asthma event | SBS News