High winds returned to Victoria with a vengeance on Sunday, triggering the 50th severe weather warning for the state in a month hounded by seven major storms.
Sunday morning's windy weather in Melbourne had eased by lunchtime, giving way to sunny skies with a top of 27 degrees, only for a cool change to send temperatures plunging to below 14 degrees by 6pm.
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Power outages after wild weather
Thousands are without power after wild weather lashed Victoria, with emergency crews responding to 200 calls for help. Vision courtesy Seven Network.
A severe weather warning was issued for most of the state due to damaging winds averaging 60 to 70km/h - and wind gusts of up to 100km/h.
Gusts of 102km/h blew across Port Phillip Bay and hit Melbourne Airport at 80km/h, although only a smattering of rain fell across Melbourne's suburbs as the cold front moved across the state.
The SES received more than 350 calls for help on Sunday, most for fallen trees, while thousands of properties were left without power in the state's west, primarily around Ballarat.
About 250 homes lost power in Melbourne's south-eastern suburbs and around 500 in the state's east.
The weather bureau said it was the seventh major storm event for Victoria this month alone - and the 50th time a warning had been sent out in October for damaging winds or heavy rainfall.
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Weatherzone: View the full weather satelliteBureau of Meteorology senior forecaster Dean Stewart said that after easing by lunchtime, the winds were back in full force by Sunday afternoon, thanks to a strong westerly.
"There is a risk of getting some gusts of up to the 90-100km/h mark," he said.
Mr Stewart said the wind change would bring icy temperatures, with snow predicted to fall on peaks as low as 700 metres.
"It will be pretty chilly air," he said.
Alpine areas in the north-east are tipped to be lashed by wind speeds of up to 120km/h.
Other areas that will be hit by strong winds include Ballarat, Bendigo, Geelong, Horsham, Warrnambool, Maryborough, and Traralgon.
A severe thunderstorm warning was cancelled before 9pm for East Gippsland and parts of the state's east, though the wind warning remained in place.
Think the weather's been rough? We've just issued the 50th severe weather warning for #Victoria in October! Details: https://t.co/AuqopWpnuI pic.twitter.com/HjoztrYUYc
— BOM Victoria (@BOM_Vic) October 30, 2016
State Emergency Service commander David Baker urged people travelling to be careful and monitor local conditions.
"The forecast weather system may cause difficulties for tourists and campers," he said.
"Flash flooding in some areas is a possibility, so people may need to consider their local situation carefully.
"It's extremely important that people take extra care when travelling on the roads – especially when driving in unfamiliar areas.
"Remember to never drive, walk, swim or play in floodwater."
The forecast remains bleak for the last day of the month too.
Monday is expected to begin with a chance of hail and a thunderstorm in Melbourne with a forecast high of 17 degrees.
The weather for racegoers on Melbourne Cup Day is expected to include a shower or two with northwesterly winds of 20 to 30 km/h.
Temperatures improve by Friday, however, with a forecast high of 26 degrees.