Frankston SES controller Brian McMannis (see cover story on pages 16-17) said the first of about 430 calls came in at 1.20am on Sunday.

By about 1.30pm that day, there were still about 300 jobs to be done and new calls being logged.

"There would have to have been about 430 calls, the most we have had for some time," Mr McMannis said yesterday.

"About 85per cent were about trees blown down across roads and on fences, cars and houses.

"There were no injuries we were aware of and it was more wind than rain causing the problems."

About 50 Frankston SES personnel rushed to help. "A lot of them gave up their Father's Day celebrations," Mr McMannis said.

They were helped in their massive task by units from areas including Craigieburn, Broadmeadows, Chelsea, Doncaster and Whittlesea.

Police and fire brigade members lent a hand with fallen powerlines down in many places.