Melbourne Express, Monday, March 26, 2018

7:15am

Blog feedback

Now that the website has been upgraded, we’ve been giving some more thought to how we put together the blog in the mornings.

For example, we’re starting to include more regular content - the target word used to be something I’d include on a quiet day, but now it’s something all Melbourne Express bloggers use.

We’d like your feedback on how you’re finding the blog, both in terms of presentation and in content. If there’s something on the blog that annoys you, let us know!

Thanks for all the feedback so far.

7:08am

Let it snow

By Robyn Grace

It's snowing in Hotham. It's minus three degrees at the ski resort at the moment, after 45mm of rain and snow overnight.

Bureau of Meteorology senior forecaster Stephen King says it's a small dusting, nothing too unusual.

"Nothing to bust the skis out and run up the slopes for. We can get snow at any time of the year, really," he said.

In the city, we're heading for a top of 19 but Mr King said it would feel a bit colder than that, given the wind.

It's been the coldest morning of the year so far in Melbourne, with the temperature plunging to 10.8 degrees at 4am. It's currently 11.6 degrees outside.

Minus 3 and #snowing at #Hotham! A taste of winter in March! pic.twitter.com/YPLn7jRQap

— Hotham (@_hotham) March 25, 2018

7:04am

Chapel Street closed

Chapel Street has been closed between Malvern Road and Simmons Road.

I have just heard back from police about what caused the closure - they said it was because of an alleged armed robbery.

Police believe two men, one armed with a firearm, were involved in an altercation with two males on Chapel Street near Malvern Road just before 4.30am.

Three men have been arrested.

Police are still at the scene and are investigating the circumstances of the incident, which is presumably why the road has been closed.

6:50am

Hurstbridge line pain

By Robyn Grace

The pain continues on the Hurstbridge line, where buses are replacing trains until April 29 due to level crossing removal works.

Last week there were reports of packed trains, missed services at Clifton Hill and long delays on the roads.

There are delays already on Rosanna Road through Heidelberg and Bulleen Road through Bulleen because of the rail line works. At 6.30am, the Eastern Freeway travel time from Springvale Road to Hoddle Street was 13 minutes.

How's it working this morning? Get in touch via email (rgrace@fairfaxmedia.com.au) or Twitter (@missrobyngrace).

6:38am

Today's front page

No surprises with what's on the front page of the paper this morning. I suspect every newspaper in Australia is leading with the cricket cheating scandal today.

The top stories:

The government's national cybersecurity adviser has urged social media companies to improve the way they treat personal data and encouraged users of those platforms to be more aware of what information they are offering up to the internet. [Check out the full article]

Australia's shameful weekend at Newlands has been completed by their heaviest defeat in South Africa since the end of apartheid. [Check out the full article]

Big companies could face drastically increased penalties for breaches of competition law or ripping off consumers after the government watchdog revealed concern that its fines were out of step with other developed countries and failing to provide an effective deterrent. [Check out the full article]

6:24am

Today's word

Here are today's nine letters:

P I H L U R T A M

Can you rearrange them into a nine-letter word?

We'll post the answer tomorrow morning, but send me an email if you've solved it and want the bragging rights for being first.

Friday's answer was BOTANICAL, which was quite fitting given the Flower and Garden Show was on over the weekend.

6:16am

It's the coldest morning of the year so far

This morning has been the coldest one of the year so far.

At 4am this morning it was 10.8 degrees - the equal coldest it's been December 5.

It has warmed up slightly since then, and is now 11.5 degrees.

A top temperature of 19 degrees is expected today, and there is a 50/50 chance of rain (so best to take an umbrella, just in case).

Tomorrow will be slightly warmer, while we're in for a sunny 28 degree day to celebrate the midpoint of the working week on Wednesday.

6:04am

Chapel Street closed

Chapel Street has been closed between Malvern Road and Simmons Road.

I'm not sure what the cause of the closure is - I'll see what I can find out.

5:59am

Woman sexually assaulted on Swanston Street

A woman has been sexually assaulted while walking on Swanston Street in Carlton.

The 25-year-old woman had been walking along the road about 10.15pm on February 3 when she noticed a man had started following her.

When she reached the intersection of Lynch Street and Swanston Street, he sexually assaulted her, and she fled down Swanston Street.

Police have released an image of the man they believe could assist with their inquiries. He is white, about 180 centimetres tall, aged between 25 and 35, has a medium build and brown hair. They say he also has what they describe as a 'distinctive gait'.

A CCTV image of the man police believe could assist them with their inquiries
Photo: Victoria Police

They are urging anyone with information to contact Crime Stoppers.

5:49am

Good morning

Good morning and welcome to today's Melbourne Express blog.

Craig Butt here filling in for Robyn Grace on the Monday edition of the blog.

I'll be keeping track of news, trains and traffic until 9am this morning. Please send me an email if you've got something to share.

The Melbourne Express blog is your morning primer.
Photo: Alex Ellinghausen