Port Augusta is bracing for stormy conditions following extreme September downpour that damaged homes and businesses
As much of South Australia is blasted by torrential rain, residents of a regional SA city are keeping a close eye on the weather forecast as they continue to recover from a savage storm of their own.
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Following the recent record downpour regional residents are trying to keep optimistic with further heavy rains predicted.
Port Augusta received 21mm of rain in just 30 minutes on September 7, which caused catastrophic damage to businesses and homes in the city.
The current forecast for today predicts rainfall of around 15mm, in what has been an unseasonably wet year for the region.
The September storm has been described a “once in ten year” weather event so the locals are hopeful that the 15mm of rain expected today won’t hurt their efforts to repair their businesses and properties.
Port Augusta Mayor Brett Benbow was among those affected by the intense storm
“My house looks like it has been hit by a machine gun,” Mr Benbow said.
“The ground in the area has been so wet that trees roots can’t stay in the ground and wet branches are falling straight off.
“The council has spent a lot of time repairing gutters of homes and businesses, blocked gutters were one of the main reasons for damage during the storm.”
One of the worst hit businesses was Cinema Augusta, run by Michelle Coles, who currently faces $100,000 worth of damages.
“I feel sorry for a lot of people that have had considerable damage, it’s really difficult to get contractors regionally.” said Ms Coles.
“I guess we’ve been complacent as it doesn’t rain in Port Augusta.
“It’s some of the worst weather I’ve ever seen in my history living in the area.”
Senior meteorologist for the Bureau of Meteorology, Simon Timcke, recommended that anyone with concerns about weather in their area should remain vigilant and listen to the relevant authorities.
“In general, later in the weekend will be getting interesting,” said Mr Timcke.
“With the weather there’s always risk, the best thing to do is keep an eye on the BOM website and check for updates from emergency services.”
An SES spokesman said that the local emergency services received more than 100 calls during the storm.
“The calls were predominantly about water coming in through the ceiling or minor flooding in through doors and low lying areas,” the spokesman said.
Information regarding future weather events can be accessed at the Bureau of Meteorology website.
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