SA weather: Roxby, Woomera cut off as road broken by record rainfall from ex-cyclone

Rainfall records are tumbling in SA courtesy of an ex-tropical cyclone, and the road to Roxby Downs and Woomera has been smashed.

Rainfall records have tumbled as tropical downpours continue to drench South Australia on Saturday.

At Pimba in the state’s north, the manager at Spud’s Roadhouse has reported the road to Woomera and Roxby Downs is broken.

He reported that after 160mm of rain on Saturday, there was no way to get to either place.

The roadhouse, which offers a fuel stop and facilities and services at Pimba is 480km north of Adelaide –it’s a further 8km north to Woomera.

A number of other roads north of the Eyre Peninsula have been closed – check here to see the currrent closures https://www.dpti.sa.gov.au/OutbackRoads

The road to Woomera and Roxby Downs is split. This shot from the manager of Spud’s Roadhouse in Pimba shows the damage. Picture: Spud’s Roadhouse

RECORD FALLS

A 53-year rainfall record has been broken at a little homestead out west. Winter Springs, which is about 30km from Kimba on the Eyre Peninsula, recorded 181.4mm of rain in the 24-hour period leading up to 9am this morning.

It is the most rain on a single day in any month since data was first recorded at the site 53 years ago.

Senior forecaster at the Bureau of Meteorology Tom Boeck said western and northern parts of the state have experienced phenomenal downpours.

“It has been very heavy in some places and we have seen rainfall records for January broken in several areas across the Eyre Peninsula,” he said.

“It is a very unique and unusual for this time of year.”

He said more rain is expected today and tomorrow.

State Emergency Services volunteers were called to Iron Knob Road, about 20km from Whyalla, after a van, carrying two occupants was swept into floodwaters. Picture: State Emergency Service

“It is not raining quite as heavy, but in saying that we have still seen 47.6mm fall in Whyalla since 9am this morning (Saturday),” he said.

While the low pressure system is moving east, Mr Boeck said Adelaide and the Mount Lofty Ranges will be spared heavy downpours.

“We will still see some rain here in the city, but nothing like what we have seen in the west and north.”

.@BOM_SA has issued a severe thunderstorm warning for INTENSE RAINFALL
Keep clear of creeks and storm drains
SES: 132 500 Life-threatening emergency: 000 Weather updates: @BOM_SAhttps://t.co/CbbJmOU1LZpic.twitter.com/H00Vosm9r3

— SASES (@SA_SES) January 22, 2022

A fire weather warning remains for the Lower South East district on Friday where a serious incident was reported on fire grounds near Lucindale.

But it’s a very different story for other parts of the state.

A flood watch was issued for the Mid North, Flinders Ranges, West Coast, Eyre Peninsula, Yorke Peninsula and parts of the North West and North East Pastoral districts

A severe thunderstorm warning has also been issued for the Eyre Peninsula.

State Emergency Service volunteers issued a warning to people, urging anyone staying in the West Coast and Flinders Ranges to plan ahead and remain vigilant.

Sara Pulford, of the SES, said campers should avoid setting up their tents, or parking vehicles in and around creeks, and instead seek higher ground until the weather event eases.

“People should also be mindful that it doesn’t need to be raining where they are because they can be impacted by creek flows caused by rain upstream of them,” she said.

“Motorists should be on high alert for flooding, drive to the conditions and always avoid driving through floodwaters.”

The Kimba District Council said it had activated its “Community Emergency Operations Plan”.

It said the Kimba Aerodrome has been closed and staff are checking damage to address problems on a priority basis.

“We ask that all residents and visitors alike please take care when travelling around the area”, it said.

WET, WET, WET

Click here to see the gallery from our photographers and readers.

SEND US YOUR WET WEATHER PHOTOS AND VIDEOS