About 10,000 houses were without electricity in the eastern suburbs of Melbourne on Monday night after winds brought down power lines.
The State Emergency Service said the worst areas were Northcote and Doncaster. SES received more than 1000 calls for help - the majority of them between noon - 2pm (AEST).
AAP reports falling trees knocked out power to about 15,000 houses in the eastern suburbs and crushing trucks and cars.
SP Ausnet spokesman Jonathon Geddes said the connections were restored to about 5000 homes by 6pm on Monday but others would without power overnight.
"We can't access out assets and that's delaying restoration," Mr Geddes said. "We'll be working well into the early hours of the morning."
He reminded people not to approach fallen powerlines.
An SES spokesman said the storm had passed but more strong winds were forecast.
