A Code Blue extreme weather response has been activated across parts of South Australia as damaging winds and severe winter conditions threaten several regions.
The response is active from Friday, September 4 until 10am on Saturday, September 5, providing additional support for people sleeping rough during the cold, wet and windy weather.
It comes as the Bureau of Meteorology warns that a strong cold front will approach southeastern South Australia on Friday night before moving east on Saturday morning.
Damaging winds are forecast across the Mount Lofty Ranges, Mid North, Kangaroo Island, Upper South East and Lower South East, as well as parts of the Flinders and Murraylands districts.
Kangaroo Island and parts of the South East could experience wind gusts exceeding 90km/h from early Saturday morning, particularly during showers and thunderstorms.
Across the Mount Lofty and Flinders ranges, westerly winds averaging between 60km/h and 70km/h are expected, with peak gusts of around 100km/h possible.
Mount Gambier, Clare, Murray Bridge, Kingscote, Naracoorte and Keith are among the locations that may be affected.
Minister for Human Services Katrine Hildyard said the Code Blue activation would help ensure vulnerable South Australians could access additional assistance.
“We know cold and/or wet weather can create increased risk for people sleeping rough,” Minister Hildyard said.
“This activation is about giving people somewhere warm, dry and safe to stay, along with the practical support they need during the most severe conditions.”
Statewide supports provided by homelessness services and their partners may include:
- increased daytime operation hours and/or staffing
- extended street outreach
- increased promotion of existing services
- practical aid (clothing, water, food and blankets)
- safe places to temporarily seek refuge from extreme weather during the day.
Overnight accommodation shelter may be available depending on the region you are in.
Please refer to sa.gov.au/homelessness-support for the most up-to-date information on this activation.
Anyone sleeping rough or concerned about someone who is can contact Homeless Connect SA on 1800 003 308, 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
The State Emergency Service is advising people in affected areas to secure loose items, move vehicles away from trees and remain indoors and away from windows while conditions are severe.
For the latest Code Blue information, visit SA.GOV.AU, while current weather warnings are available through the Bureau of Meteorology.
