SA lashed with 100,000 lightning strikes with more thunderstorms forecast

Several schools are still closed after an incredible 100,000 lightning strikes battered the state – and it’s not over yet, with the chance of more severe thunderstorms and gusty winds today.

More than 100,000 lightning strikes have battered the state since midnight Sunday, with the Bureau of Meteorology forecasting more thunderstorms on Tuesday.

SA Power Networks report 107 outages as of 7.15am Tuesday, with 12,740 customers without power across Adelaide, on the York and Fleurieu peninsulas, the Mid North, Kangaroo Island and the South-East. But by noon, the number of outages had dropped to 111 outages, with 9,660 customers affected.

Schools across the state were also closed for a second day with power outages reported.

A Department for Education spokesperson said a number of government school and preschool sites were closed this morning with at least one site experiencing flooding.

Schools closed included Booleroo Centre and District Kindy, Booleroo Centre District School, Orroroo Preschool and Area School, Peterborough Primary, Peterborough High, Peterborough Preschool, Keyneton Primary, McKay Children’s Centre and Morphett Vale East Kindergarten.

The bureau says Adelaide can expect a high chance of showers, the chance of severe thunderstorms and winds of up to 20km/h and a maximum temperature of 25C.

“We could be seeing some heavy rainfall at times. Some of those storms could be a little bit gusty at times as well,” a bureau spokeswoman told FIVEaa.

SA experienced more than 100,000 lightning strikes since midnight Sunday, December 10. Picture: SA Power Networks

Lightning strikes the top of the Myer Centre in Adelaide, Dec 11, 2023. Picture: 7NEWS

Thunderstorms are on the radar for Port Augusta, Mount Gambier and Renmark where the temperature is predicted to reach 35C.

“Our crews will continue to work through the night to restore power as soon as safely possible,” SA Power Networks said in a statement.

“Thank you to our impacted customers for your patience during this time.

“We have experienced more than 100,000 cloud-ground lightning strikes since midnight (Sunday) night.

It is expected weather conditions will ease on Tuesday and SA Power Networks will continue to work to restore power. See the full list of when power is expected on at your place.

“Conditions are looking more favourable, with a possibility of some isolated storms throughout the day but overall the wind speeds will be lower which will help our team’s efforts,” SA Power Networks said.

“Our crews appreciate all the positive comments received.”

More than 10,000 South Australians are still without power after over 100,000 lightning strikes battered the state as the weekend’s wild storm continues on Tuesday.

Adelaide weather details for next six days:

Wednesday, December 13: Partly cloudy. Possible shower. NE winds tending fresh NW Min – 17. Max – 26.

Thursday, December 14: Mostly cloudy. Clearing shower. W’ly winds Min – 16. Max – 23.

Friday, December 15: Partly cloudy. Clearing shower. SW winds Min – 14. Max – 22.

Saturday, December 16: Mostly sunny. SW winds Min – 13. Max – 22.

Sunday, December 17: Mostly sunny. N’ly winds tending SE Min – 13. Max – 30.

Monday, December 18: Mostly cloudy. Possible shower. E’ly winds tending W’ly Min – 19. Max – 27.