Warrnambool tree fall closed Mortlake Road, emergency services on the scene

The main thoroughfare was shut at around 10.30am between the Botanic Road roundabout and Breton Street with police directing traffic to alternative routes.

It took around an hour-and-a-half for the Warrnambool SES to cut down the tree and remove it from the road.

SES member Andrew Miles said the tree fell across one lane of Mortlake Road.

"The job came in at about 10.15am," he said. "A whole gum tree had fallen across one lane of the road.

"We had for members turn up and police as well and it took about an hour-and-a-half to clear.

"I'd say it had fallen because of the heat we've had in the past couple of days."

The road was cleared and re-opened at around 12pm.

Click here to join our private group for The Standard subscribers to connect with each other and our reporters about what's making news in the region.

Follow us on Instagram and Twitter.

Listen to the latest episode of our weekly podcast The Booletin and Beyond:

Have you signed up to The Standard's daily newsletter and breaking news emails? You can register below and make sure you are up to date with everything that's happening in the south-west.