HIGH WINDS have caused power outages, damaged buildings and caused trees to fall across the Ballarat region this morning.
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Thousands of Ballarat and Daylesford households experienced power outages last night and this morning.
Between 11.30pm and 9.30am, electricity supplier Powercor responded to 15 call outs including a tree falling over power lines on Eyre St, Ballarat.
At 9.15am, a total of 2226 customers were without power, with 1205 homes restored a short time later.
All but 35 homes had their power restored around 9.30pm.
Powercor spokesman Lyall Johnson said strong winds were the main cause of the outages.
"It's been particularly windy last night and this morning," Mr Johnson said.
"The majority of customers were affected by a tree coming down on wires near Eyre St."
State Emergency Services duty officer Kendra Clegg said the wind gusts have been causing wide spread damage in Ballarat.
Wind speeds reached more than 50 km/hr for much of the morning, with gusts peaking at 78km/hr around 9.30am.
"An old 1800s building on the corner of Howitt and Creswick roads has had damage to its roof," Ms Clegg said.
"Other buildings in close proximity to the intersection have also been damaged.
"Roads are being closed to ensure public safety."
This comes after SES volunteers joined other agencies to respond to a large tree fallen across the front of a Napier Street in Creswick this morning.
It was initially thought the occupants were trapped, with the tree blocking the front door and cutting off all power to the home.
The home's owner told The Courier his wife woke him to tell them a tree had fallen onto their house.
He said he pretty much slept through the whole thing.
Twelve SES personnel were needed at the scene and powerlines to the house were also down.
There were no injuries.