Homes and businesses in Casey are among hundreds of thousands that lost power overnight in wild weather.
Trees are down across the region after southerly and south-easterly winds gusting more than 100km/h lashed the state.
As of the morning of Thursday 10 June, power outages continued to impact suburbs around Casey including Lysterfield South (60 households), Harakway (222 households), and Hampton Park (1197 households).
Power was not expected to be restored in these areas until the afternoon.
Online, residents reported multiple trees down and traffic lights out at key intersections.
A Telstra spokesperson said the storms had impacted its network, with assessments into the full impact ongoing.
A spokesperson said the south-eastern suburbs and West Gippsland were among the areas being focused on.
“We’re working with power authorities to get our sites back online as quickly as possible,” the spokesperson said.
“Where power authorities can’t restore electricity, our power and facilities team are prioritising key sites where we can.”
Narre Warren SES controller Damian Burns said it had been a tiring night for crews.
More than 135 requests for assistance had been received in the City of Casey, with crews also assisting in other areas including around Emerald, where Narre Warren SES volunteers helped release an ambulance blocked by trees.
Others have been posted to Lakes Entrance to assist with flooding in the Gippsland area.
In the City of Casey, Mr Burns said “trees everywhere” was the main issue, with downed limbs blocking not just major roads but smaller streets and courts.
He said residents could still continue to call the SES for assistance where required, but said that jobs would be triaged based on severity.
“If you have another way of fixing the problem sooner without putting yourself at risk, like getting a tradesperson, that might be a way of getting the problem fixed sooner,” he said.
Mr Burns also reminded locals to take care on slippery roads and footpaths.
The Department of Transport has urged drivers and commuters to be cautious and aware of closures impacting their travel.
Drivers are reminded to ensure they leave extra space between them and the car in front, as braking distances increase in wet conditions.
Headlights should be on, and extra vigilance is required for cyclists and motorbikes which are harder to see.
Drivers are also reminded to never enter flood waters, and to stay off the roads unless it is absolutely necessary to drive.
If the rain becomes too heavy for wipers to cope, drivers should pull over safely and wait for the rain to pass.
Meanwhile, rail commuters are experiencing delays after a tree branch fell across railway lines at Dandenong, according to the Department of Transport.
Trains are not stopping at Sandown Park due to flooding. Shuttle buses will be organised, the department says. Passengers can still use Springvale or Noble Park stations.
A flood watch is active for Dandenong Creek, particularly at Heatherton Road between Stud Road and Monash Freeway.
Across the state, SES reported 5000 call-outs for help. More than 200,000 homes and businesses in Victoria suffered electricity outages.
About 162,000 were in the AusNet Services distribution area, which includes the Dandenongs, the outer East and South East suburbs.
Residents are urged to be patient as emergency services continue to deal with the fallout of the storm.
Victorians are allowed to move beyond the current travel limits to escape an emergency situation, regardless of current Covid restrictions.
