Photo: SA State Emergency Service
The Bureau of Meteorology has issued a Severe Weather Warning for damaging winds.
Extreme weather is forecast for southern parts of South Australia this weekend, with damaging wind gusts over 100km/h, showers, thunderstorms, and possibly record-breaking waves and sea levels.
The updated warning (4:30pm on Saturday) has been issued for people in Kangaroo Island and parts of Mount Lofty Ranges, Lower Eyre Peninsula, Yorke Peninsula, Upper South East, Lower South East, West Coast and Murraylands districts.
Damaging winds are expected to develop over southern parts of South Australia on Sunday.
Weather Situation: A cold front is currently crossing southeastern parts of South Australia, bringing the risk of isolated gusty conditions for the remainder of today. The front will clear to the east tonight before a second more vigorous cold front approaches the state on Sunday. Northwesterly winds will strengthen ahead of this front from Sunday afternoon, before shifting more westerly behind it by early Monday morning.
Isolated DAMAGING WIND GUSTS with peak gusts of around 90 km/h are possible for Kangaroo Island and parts of the Upper South East and Lower South East districts for the remainder of today, especially in showers and thunderstorms.
Northwesterly strong to DAMAGING WINDS averaging 60 to 70 km/h with peak gusts of around 100 km/h are then possible for Kangaroo Island and coastal parts of the West Coast, Lower Eyre Peninsula and York Peninsula districts from early Sunday afternoon, before shifting east to the remaining warning area during Sunday evening. Conditions will temporarily improve overnight on Sunday before winds strengthen again from early Monday morning.
Dry soils bring an increased risk of gusty winds toppling trees.
Locations which may be affected include Port Lincoln, Kingscote, Elliston, Victor Harbor, Streaky Bay, Tumby Bay, Warooka and Robe.
In response to the forecast, a statewide Code Blue has also been issued.
The SES is asking the community to prepare for the incoming storm system.
“After enduring the driest start to the year on record across much of SA’s agricultural areas, southern parts of SA including Adelaide, will be bracing for strong 90-120km/h winds over the weekend.”
“The South Australian State Emergency Service (SES) reminds people to use caution around coastlines as the storm surge is expected to see ocean swells rise to between six and nine metres, with the possibility of eclipsing the previous record high for the month of May of 8.5m, less than week out from the highest tide of the year on Wednesday.”
“As a result of SA’s extended dry period, distressed trees suffering from a lack of moisture will be much more susceptible to strong winds, increasing the likelihood of trees being uprooted and dropping branches.”
“The SES is encouraging people to take proactive action to minimise the impacts of tree damage to their homes and property.”
“This includes trimming any overhanging tree branches around your property and ensuring gutters, downpipes and drains are clear of leaf litter and other debris.”
“The SES also advises to secure loose items around the home such as outdoor furniture and children’s play equipment ahead of the forecast damaging winds.”
“Tinder-dry conditions across much of SA have also prompted the Country Fire Service (CFS) to urge people to remain vigilant if planning burn-off activities or campfires, especially near scrub or timbered vegetation.”
SES State Duty Officer Craig Brassington said, “The rapid onset of destructive or damaging winds is often the main reason for damage to property and is responsible for bringing down power lines, causing power disruptions.”
“The SES will always be on call to support communities in need however, I encourage people to take proactive action now to prepare their properties for the winter months.”
“We encourage people to visit the SES website to undertake some simple, proactive steps which can contribute to minimising potential storm damage to homes and properties.”
CFS State Duty Commander Ann Buesnel continued, “Dry conditions across the state, combined with strong winds forecast for this weekend, significantly heighten the risk of fires spreading out of control.”
“We are urging the community to remain vigilant. If you are planning activities like burn offs or campfires, especially near scrub or timbered vegetation, please assess conditions carefully and take appropriate safety precautions.”
“Our volunteers will be ready to support South Australians with whatever this weekend brings, and we thank them for their continued dedication.”
To prepare, the SES advises the following:
- Trim trees and branches that could fall on your home or property
- Cleaning your gutters and downpipes of leaves and debris
- Fix any damage to your roof
- Park vehicles away from trees and under cover
- Checking and clearing drains on your property
- Secure loose items in your yard including outdoor furniture and play equipment
- Checking adequacy of insurance coverage
- Be prepared for power outages
Bureau of Meteorology Meteorologist Hannah Colhoun said, “In the 15 months, since February 2024 severe rainfall deficiencies extend across most of South Australia’s agricultural areas. In Adelaide we have seen the driest start to the year since records began in 1939 with only 30.8mm recorded so far this year (average to end of May: 175.5mm).”
“Over the weekend a vigorous weather system will move across southern South Australia, the strongest being later Sunday and into Monday, bringing damaging wind gusts, squally showers and thunderstorms, large waves and high sea levels. This will be the strongest cold front since at least last winter.”
Image Credit: JWC Weather
Image Credit: JWC Weather
While it’s not a massive weather event, it’s enough to shake up your weekend plans and remind us that we’re heading into the cooler months. The conditions should begin to settle by midweek, but the chill is set to linger longer with a minimum of 9 degrees on Wednesday and Thursday.
For the latest weather updates, visit the Bureau of Meterology website here.
For more information on the SES’s update, click here.
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