Freak storm hits Australian city

Much of Australia has suffered a long drought

A freak thunderstorm hit Melbourne in Australia on Wednesday, causing widespread flooding and leaving drivers stranded on the roofs of their cars.

Firefighters had to use boats to rescue people as more than 100 millimetres (four inches) of rain were dumped on the city in just over two hours.

"This is a once in 100 year event," local forecaster Dean Stewart said.

Emergency services said they had received 1,000 calls and hundreds of homes had been flooded or damaged.

Callers to local radio stations said huge hailstones had pelted their cars.

One woman told ABC radio she had woken up to see water pouring into her backyard.

"It was like a lake, it was unbelievable," she said.

As flood water cascaded past their vehicles, around 10 people were forced onto the tops of their cars.

Eastern Australia has been suffering a long drought and Melbourne residents have been living with tight water restrictions.