Melbourne's beaches poor following floods

Swimmers seeking beachside relief from the Melbourne sun this week have been given some bad news - the city's beaches are in poor condition following Sunday's downpour.

The Environment Protection Authority Victoria announced on Monday that all 36 beach sites in Port Phillip Bay had been rated poor and unsuitable for swimming due to heavy rainfall and possible stormwater pollution.

Beachgoers are advised to steer clear of beaches in such conditions, or risk falling ill from gastro or developing infections in open wounds.

Meanwhile, Victorians have had some relief from the dramatic weather conditions that led to hundreds of emergency call outs and several transport issues.

The State Emergency Service had responded to 456 calls for help by Monday morning - with 95 trees down, 155 instances of building damage and 197 flooding cases.

Flooding over rail tracks on Sunday night disrupted trams and trains, including the entire Sandringham rail line.

The rain fell throughout the night with 32mm falling in Melbourne by 8am Monday.

Ferny Creek, on the city's outskirts, received 54mm and Phillip Island copped 51mm.

Ballarat was the SES' busiest unit on Sunday night, receiving 33 calls, while Melbourne's southeast, the Mornington Peninsula and Geelong were also hit hard.

Firefighters had to rescue the driver of a car that drove into about 60cm of water across the Nepean Highway in Elsternwick.

The SES has urged homeowners to check their guttering and property if it is safe to do so.