Winds of more than 120km/h were recorded as a cold front swept through southern Australia yesterday, with millions still in the firing line today.

Senior meteorologist with the Bureau of Meteorology, Dean Narramore, said there had been widespread “strong to damaging” winds in South Australia and Victoria, even reaching parts of southern NSW.

Gusts of 126km/h were recorded at Mount Hotham in Victoria, while winds also reached 115km/h at Thredbo in NSW, and 110km/h at Mount Buller and Falls Creek in Victoria.

Metropolitan Melbourne recorded gusts of 60km/h to 80km/h.

The winds also raised significant dust storms in South Australia and Victoria.

Rain totals of 30mm to 50mm were recorded in Mount Lofty and the Adelaide Hills in South Australia.

Narramore said for some parts of the drought-hit state, yesterday would have been the wettest day since winter or early spring last year.

Falls were milder in Victoria, reaching 5mm to 15mm.

There are still a number of wind and high tide warnings for South Australia and Victoria, though conditions are expected to be milder and less widespread, and to clear up by the afternoon.

NSW, however, will face widespread damaging winds today, including the flood-hit Mid North Coast and northern Hunter regions, as well as the Northern Tablelands, Illawarra, Blue Mountains, and South Coast.

Gusts up to and possibly exceeding 90km/h are expected.

Additionally, falls of 20mm to 40mm of rain have already been recorded for the already-drenched Hunter and northern NSW, but that will clear up by the afternoon.

Conditions are expected to ease through tonight to tomorrow.