Rochester businesses are now operating as normal after a large storm hit the region on Tuesday, January 2.
The storm struck Rochester at 6pm, lasting about two hours and causing minor damage.
Major’s IGA returned to normal the following day after closing two hours early the night of the storm, suffering only minor leaks via the roof’s box guttering.
Brad Major of Major’s IGA was away from the store when the storm hit the town.
“I was driving back home when the storm hit Rochester,” Mr Major said.
“Water came in through the box guttering on the roof.”
“We closed about two hours earlier on Tuesday evening, at 5pm, due to the heavy rain.”
Despite his day off, Mr Major returned to the store the following day due to an employee being sick.
Nearby business Maxavily was closed on Wednesday, January 3, but owner Angela Simpson visited the hair salon to inspect if any damage had occurred.
She said the alleyway at the rear of the buildings was prone to flooding and mud would then enter the businesses, causing damage to stock.
“Fortunately, we were closed Tuesday afternoon when the heavy rain started,” Mrs Simpson said.
“Due to the heavy rain, the mud and water hit the inside of the back storeroom.”
Maxavily returned to normal trading hours on Thursday.
A third business fared much better, with Twist and Sprout owner Emma Solomano on the phone with her real estate agent.
“Water had pooled in the middle of the shop when I had opened the store this morning,” Ms Solomano said on Wednesday.
Luckily for Ms Solomano, the water was only a few millimetres deep and was quickly mopped out, ensuring the business could welcome shoppers.
The newly built Ambulance station also suffered partial damage to the roof, after heavy rain and wind lashed the region.
The Bendigo Bank branch was also closed due to the storm wreaking havoc on the interior.
Fresh Laundry Rochester was inundated with rain that made its way into the store’s shopfront, while Sportspower was closed due to storm damage, before re-opening on Thursday.
Emergency services and residents worked to restore businesses and homes to normal.
According to Rochester’s SES Facebook page, the unit was called to remove tree branches obstructing Cohen St.
“Our volunteers have been out removing trees from roads and driveways and checking for building damage,” an SES spokesperson said.