Heavy rain expected in SA’s north as dozens become stranded on the Oodnadatta Track

Another severe weather event is set to lash the state’s north as roads are closed and tourists are stranded – and up to 60mm is expected to fall again today.

Outback travel came unstuck for several adventurous caravaners as rain fell in the north of the state at the weekend – and more is on the way on Tuesday.

A flood-watch warning has been issued for the northeast and northwest pastoral districts with heavy falls predicted over the next 24 hours.

It has left dozens stranded on the Oodnadatta Track with several caravans bogged along the rural stretch of road.

The Department of Infrastructure and Transport issued an alert on Sunday warning travellers to check local weather conditions prior to travel.

“Due to rain, several roads in the Outback have been temporarily closed, including Mount Dare to Hamilton, Coober Pedy to William Creek, and sections of the Oodnadatta Track,” the alert said. “These roads will be reassessed in the coming days.”

Bureau of Meteorology senior forecaster Tom Boeck said Far North towns were battered from 9am Monday, with the highest totals recorded in Woomera, 64.4mm, Roxby Downs, 41.6mm, and Moomba, 36.4mm.

Severe Weather Warning for HEAVY RAINFALL For people in Flinders & parts of Eastern Eyre Peninsula, Mid North, North West Pastoral and North East Pastoral districts. Refer: https://t.co/1BEXxfXo2Gpic.twitter.com/wUQGi0Zy9p

— CFS Talk (@CFSTalk) April 25, 2022

He said the heavy rain was caused by an upper level low pressure system over the state’s north.

“It’s probably starting to ease off now at Woomera and Roxby Downs but there is a possibility of further rainfall in that 40-60mm range through that severe weather warning area,” Mr Boeck said.

A severe weather warning for heavy rain was issued on Tuesday morning for people in the Flinders, and parts of the Eastern Eyre Peninsula, Mid North, North West Pastoral District and North East Pastoral District.

William Creek Hotel publican Trevor Wright said around 80 to 100 people are staying the remote town as they wait for it to re-open.

“We’re hopeful it might dry up this week so people can get out of here before more expected rain on Friday,” he said.

“Everyone is in good spirits, they are getting used to the outback life.”

Mr Wright said problems with communication and signage in the area need to be urgently addressed.

“The system has to be fixed and it should be on the agenda at the federal election,” he said.

“The DIT need to have a complete revamp and start prioritising the roads in this area with safe factual signage to alert travellers.

“Now that people are back travelling we are really starting to see these problems flare up more and more often and it’s putting a strain on the limited resources we have up here.”

He said they are stocking up on supplies to prepare for more severe weather over the coming months.

“Fuel is the biggest issue, we are really trying to adequately stock up now because we can get food and other maintenance supplies using aviation, but we can’t bring in fuel,” he said.

Grant, from East Gippsland, is currently staying in William Creek while he and friends wait for roads to clear to continue their journey.

He said being stranded was all part of the adventure.

“At the end of the day, mother nature is in control,” he said.

“You just roll with it, there are some great people here and everyone has a different story.”