HIGH winds have caused havoc across the region as trees came down, dust storms closed roads and many were left without power yesterday. Wind gusts of more than 90kmh were recorded in Mortlake just after midday, with an historic elm tree brought down across the Princes Highway in Colac about the same time. Constable John Cochrane, of Colac police, said no cars were passing the area when the tree in Memorial Square fell across the main street about 1pm. Traffic was redirected as council workers worked to remove the fallen elm.Power outages were reported in Koroit, Macarthur and Toolong after gusts of more than 75kmh were clocked at Warrnambool. Weatherzone meteorologist Matt Pearce said wild weather which hit Adelaide overnight on Thursday was moving across Victoria and was tipped to bring moderate rain to the south-west. "This is the best rain-bearing system we have seen across south-east Australia for the whole of spring," he said. "Unfortunately, it is coming just a little too late for many farmers, who are now involved in harvesting."Showers were expected to continue for most of today, Mr Pearce said. VicRoads directed Corangamite Shire to close Foxhow Road after winds whipped up dust on lakes Corangamite and Gnarpurt, hampering visibility and leaving a greasy layer of dust on the bitumen. A Corangamite Shire spokeswoman said visibility was "extremely poor" and urged motorists to take an alternative route as conditions were monitored during the weekend.