Australia Weather News

Hundreds of Victorians have been left without power as strong winds batter the state, with gusts of more than 100 kilometres per hour recorded at Melbourne airport.

Mount Gellibrand, near Colac in the state's south-west, saw winds of more than 110kph, while gusts of more than 100kph were recorded at Melbourne airport.

Almost 2,000 homes remain without power in the state after trees brought down powerlines.

State Emergency Service state agency commander John Parker said more than 170 calls for assistance were received overnight mostly for trees across roads.

He said most of the calls were made in Melbourne's outer suburbs and western parts of Victoria.

Michael Efron from the Bureau of Meteorology said conditions should improve later this morning.

"We will see those winds easing from the west this morning... by late morning, the Melbourne area should have seen an easing in conditions and eastern areas should see those conditions easing throughout the early afternoon," he said.

He said a rain band over western Victoria would move eastwards throughout the day, bringing rain.

Mr Parker urged motorist to be aware of their conditions.

"There could still be some debris on roads, so be aware of that," he said.

"Obviously, the roads will be wet and slipper with rain so [drivers should] make sure that they are driving to the conditions."

A severe wind warning is still in place for people in the Central, North Central, West and South Gippsland districts, and parts of the East Gippsland, South West and North East districts.