SA’s wild weather: Flash flooding, power outages as more heavy rain sweeps across the state

A massive downpour has flooded homes in and around Victor Harbor – as the bureau cancelled a severe thunderstorm warning for Adelaide.

A “significant” downpour has inundated homes and sent water levels rising in Victor Harbor as another severe thunderstorm warning is issued for the Murraylands district.

State Emergency Service state duty officer Brenton Clarke said crews were responding to several flooding jobs reported since 2pm.

“Water rising to properties in the main issue,” he said.

“It’s a significant downpour.”

He said crews were responding to five homes in both Victor Harbor and Encounter Bay, and another two in Port Elliot, as at 2.30pm.

He said some residents had reported inundation to their homes but it was “not a huge amount”.

“In the main it is water coming into the property, not the homes,” he said.

The Victor Harbor Horse Drawn Tram on its social media announced it was closed for the remainder of Sunday because of the weather.

The Bureau of Meteorology cancelled a severe thunderstorm warning for the Adelaide region at 2.10pm Sunday.

“The immediate threat of severe thunderstorms has passed, but the situation will continue to be monitored and further warnings will be issued if necessary,” the bureau said.

A severe thunderstorm warning remains active as at 2.35pm for the Riverland and Murraylands, Upper South East and parts of Eastern Eyre Peninsula, Yorke Peninsula, Flingers, Lower South East and North East pastoral districts.

An earlier warning for Kangaroo Island and district also was cancelled.

Most parts of the state will likely be hit with thunderstorms and heavy rainfall, with no sign of relief from the Sydney-like humidity until mid next week.

Cape Willoughby recorded 26.6mm in 30 minutes to 9.47am on Sunday, as a low pressure system and upper trough to the west combined with a “very moist atmosphere”, producing severe thunderstorms.

By 11am on Sunday there were nine power outages impacting 1754 customers across South Australia, with the Port Neill, Tumby Bay, Lipson, Ungarra, Butler, Moody and Cockaleechie district the worst-hit with 738 outages.

Rain clouds rolling over Parnaroo, near Peterborough on Friday, January 5. Picture: Tim Hagger

Another 674 customers were without power in Athelstone, Paradise and Newtown district.

SA Police advised the Barrier Highway at Wompinie, about 3km from the NSW border, was closed due to flooding.

“The road will be closed until the flooding subsides,” police said.

“Please do not attempt to drive through flood waters.”

The Bureau of Meteorology said there’s a chance of showers and severe thunderstorms in Adelaide on Sunday that will likely ease in the afternoon, as temperatures top 26 degrees.

Up to 15mm of rainfall is expected to land across the metro area, Clare, Port Augusta and the regions in the state’s South-East.

Thunderstorms and heavy rainfall are expected to hit Mount Barker, Victor Harbor, Stirling, Strathalbyn and Nuriootpa with maximum temperatures ranging between 24 to 26C.

Maximum temperatures in Mount Gambier will hit 27C, while the Murraylands will remain at 28C.

Lightning storm at Paradise. Picture: Lachy Riley

Showers and possible storms will also hit the Mid North, as maximum temperatures span between 25C to 28C.

On Saturday, thunderstorms swept across the state which caused trees to fall and flash flooding.

The South-East was worst hit after more than 30mm of rain fell.

There were a total of more than 65 call-outs, according to the SA.

Adelaide recorded 13.4mm of rain up until 7.30pm on Saturday, Bordertown 32.4mm, Port Lincoln 7.6mm and Murray Bridge 9mm.

At 1pm on Saturday there were 32 power outages affecting 4585 customers across SA, while the SES said they had about 30 call-outs, mainly for fallen trees and flooding. By 8am on Sunday there were eight outages in SA affecting 539 customers.

Lightning pics from Campbelltown. Picture: Lachy Riley

A Severe Weather Activation has also been put in place for the city as well as regional areas to help people sleeping rough stay safe.

From 5pm Saturday to 9am Monday, the following places will be open:

– Baptist Care’s Westcare Centre – overnight accommodation from 5pm – at 11/19 Millers CT, Adelaide.

– Toward Home the Resolve Team – additional outreach support from 5pm-7pm.

Regional South Australians experiencing homelessness and affected by the weather can call Homeless Connect SA 1800 003 308 24/7 to assist with emergency accommodation.

“Chronic health issues can be further exacerbated by exposure to bad weather and this can lead to poorer longer term health outcomes,” MP Nat Cook said.