Some of our most attractive waterways are flowing at a pace again, in some instances for the first time in many years.

The spillway at St Georges Lake in Creswick, Soldiers Falls near Daylesford and Lal Lal Falls at Lal Lal are all providing a magnificent spectacle thanks to recent rains.

The big dry has meant that we haven't been able to see these attractions at their most beautiful for the best part of a decade.

The cascades of water make it appear that we truly have returned to the Ballarat winters of old.

Up to 7.30pm last night, almost 30mm of rain had fallen in Ballarat since 9am. That's as good a fall as we've seen in recent times.

Of course, such healthy falls also bring their hazards too. The Bureau of Meteorology yesterday issued multiple flood, storm and wind warnings for parts of Victoria.

Last night, Melbourne was bracing for a blast of wild weather, which was expected to hit about midnight.

Fortunately, Ballarat was spared any serious threat, but nevertheless the conditions played havoc with road users.

Several accidents were reported and wind spread debris across some roads.

After years of well-below-average rainfall, we should rejoice at the sound of steady rain and at the sight of flowing water.

But we need to take the good with the bad - or at least be acutely aware of it.

In such wet and windy conditions, it is imperative that we take extra care, particularly on the roads.