Victoria's capital reached a maximum 12.8C on Thursday, surpassing the previous early-year record set on May 6, 1970 with a top of just 11.7C.

Damaging winds up to 70km/h with peak gusts between 90-100km/h lashed parts of the state from Thursday afternoon with Cape Nelson, in Victoria's southwest, clocking 95km/h about 4.30pm.

The blustery weather is expected to ramp up on Friday with Melbourne due to receive up to 30mm of rain and gale-force winds from late morning. Up to 150mm of rain could fall in the state's east.

"Exact totals will depend on just where individual low-pressure systems form, but with all the moisture feeding in from the Tasman Sea it's possible that we could see around 50 to 100mm of rain along the Gippsland ranges, with locally higher totals," meteorologist Adam Morgan said.

Flood warnings have been issued for Gippsland and the Yarra River catchment.

"There is a risk of flash flooding with that rain," the bureau's Steven McGibbony told reporters.

"With the rainfall and these strong winds, it's going to feel very wintry and very cold."

SES boss Tim Wiebusch warned Victorians to prepare their homes for heavy rain and urged motorists not to drive through floodwaters.

The cold front first hit Victoria on Wednesday night, with temperatures plunging around the state and snow falling to 800m.

Falls Creek, Mount Hotham, Mount Buller and Mount Baw Baw all received snowfall.

Mt Baw Baw Alpine Resort spokesman John Fascio said it was likely to receive a further 30cm by Friday.

Australian Associated Press