The Bureau of Meteorology has issued an updated severe weather warning for damaging, and potentially locally destructive winds across South Australia, affecting Adelaide Metropolitan, Mount Lofty Ranges, Lower Eyre Peninsula, Eastern Eyre Peninsula, Yorke Peninsula, Flinders, Mid North, Kangaroo Island, Riverland, Murraylands, Upper South East, Lower South East and parts of West Coast, North East Pastoral and North West Pastoral districts.
The warning, released at 10:31am on Sunday, May 25, 2025, forecasts a vigorous cold front approaching the area, expected to impact various regions starting this evening.
As the cold front moves closer, northwesterly winds will significantly strengthen by this afternoon, prior to transitioning to more westerly after the front crosses overnight. The escalation in wind strength will not only affect the coastal regions but also spread across eastern inland areas by Monday morning. Weather conditions are predicted to start improving by Monday night, with a noticeable reduction in wind intensity by Tuesday morning.
Specifically, strong to damaging winds, with average speeds of 60 to 70 km/h and peak gusts reaching up to 110 km/h, are anticipated for Kangaroo Island and coastal parts of the West Coast, Lower Eyre Peninsula, and Yorke Peninsula districts by late Sunday. The intensity of the winds is expected to increase further, spreading to the southern Fleurieu Peninsula and the far southeast coastal areas by Sunday night. By midday Monday, damaging winds are forecast to extend north, reaching Adelaide and impacting inland areas of the alert zone including elevated regions of the Flinders district.
More concerning are the potentially locally destructive wind gusts, forecasted to reach speeds exceeding 125 km/h on Monday morning. These gusts are likely to affect the coastal fringe from the western Eyre Peninsula to the Victoria state border, posing a significant risk of damage to homes and property.
The dry condition of soils could heighten the risk of gusty winds causing trees to topple, further increasing the potential for damage and disruption.
In preparation and to ensure safety, the State Emergency Service (SES) advises residents to avoid fallen power lines, shelter vehicles away from trees, secure any loose items on properties, and stay indoors away from windows during severe conditions.
Coastal Hazard Warning for ABNORMALLY HIGH TIDES
The warning also coincides with an alert for abnormally high tides. ABNORMALLY HIGH TIDES are likely to lead to sea water FLOODING OF LOW-LYING COASTAL AREAS in Spencer Gulf and Gulf St Vincent on Monday. Tides are likely to rise SIGNIFICANTLY ABOVE the normal high tide mark during Monday afternoon and evening high tides.
At the Outer Harbor tide gauge, the sea level is forecast to reach above 3.8 metres. At the Port Pirie tide gauge, the sea level is forecast to reach above 4.5 metres. This is expected to cause sea water flooding of low lying areas.
Large surf in combination with the elevated sea levels may also lead to coastal erosion and localised damage to coastal infrastructure, including about the Adelaide metropolitan beaches. Beach conditions in these areas could be dangerous and people should stay well away from the surf and surf exposed areas.
Locations which may be affected include Port Adelaide, the Adelaide metropolitan beaches, Port Pirie, Port Lincoln, Whyalla, Port Augusta, Wallaroo, Victor Harbor and Port Wakefield.
The State Emergency Service advises the following:
- Unusually high tides are dangerous to swimmers, surfers and rock fishers. Stay away from coastal areas until conditions subside.
- Know your limitations around beaches, tidal rivers and creeks. Monitor warnings and conditions. Supervise children at all times.
- If you have a moored boat or watercraft, check that your mooring and lines are secure.
- Be aware that unusually high tides could cause flooding at the coast.
- You should never walk, ride or drive through floodwater.
Locations that might be impacted include, but are not limited to, Adelaide, Port Lincoln, Whyalla, Renmark, Mount Gambier, Ceduna, Murray Bridge, Kingscote, and Naracoorte.
For further details and updates, the public can access warnings through TV and radio broadcasts, visit the Bureau’s website at www.bom.gov.au.
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