Huge sinkhole opens in Mount Gambier after SA is battered by wild weather

After the state was battered by wild weather this weekend, a large sinkhole has opened on a busy street in Mount Gambier. See the pictures.

A sinkhole has opened up near Margaret Street in Mount Gambier after the recent rains. Picture: Arj Ganesan

A large sinkhole has opened on a busy street in Mount Gambier after the region was lashed by heavy rain over the weekend.

A barricade has been erected surrounding the newly formed hole on Margaret St, opposite the Railway Line walking trail.

Gordon Refrigeration’s driveway has also been forced to close, with the beginning of the mouth partially entering onto their property.

Taking to Facebook, the City of Mount Gambier Council urged residents to keep their distance.

A portion of the ground in the walkway between Margaret Street and the Railway Lands has opened up following heavy rain in recent days. Picture Supplied

A portion of the ground in the walkway between Margaret Street and the Railway Lands has opened up following heavy rain in recent days. Picture Supplied

“Preliminary investigation suggests that it is a naturally occurring sinkhole. Further investigation is required and will be undertaken when it is safe to do so,” a spokesperson said.

“With more rain on the way, council is monitoring the site and has extended the barrier surrounding the hole.”

This comes as two SA dams are at high risk of failure – one south of Adelaide and one in the Hills, with roads closed after a week of heavy rain.

Less than 24 hours ago, an urgent warning was issued by the State Emergency Service as wind gusts were predicted to peak at around 90km/h in the Mount Lofty Ranges and Murraylands.

The Bureau of Meteorology had issued a severe weather warning for damaging winds in those regions.

The Bureau says locations which may be affected include Mount Barker, Murray Bridge, Victor Harbor, Strathalbyn and Mannum.

The Bureau of Meteorology also has issued flood warnings for parts of the North West Pastoral District ahead of more rain lashing South Australia.

Flooding is possible from Tuesday following heavy rains last week and developing on Monday.

Heavy rainfall predicted in the flood watch region may cause areas of ponding and overland flow, along with rises in local creeks and overbank flooding.

The Bureau has warned communities may be cut off with roads, travel and transport being impacted.

Catchments likely to be affected include Finke River and Stephenson Creek and, Eastern Great Victoria Desert and Warburton District Rivers.