BOM warns damaging winds and ‘vigorous cold front’ headed for SA

There will be little reprieve on Wednesday from the wild, wet and windy weather that has been smashing the state, with another severe warning issued for most of SA.

A new severe weather warning has been issued for most of South Australia, with strong winds and high seas forecast.

The Bureau of Meteorology said damaging winds returned overnight, and a vigorous cold front is expected to continue into Wednesday.

Wind guests of more than 100km/h are expected to Adelaide and the state’s South East, Lower Eyre Peninsula and Kangaroo Island.

“The front will bring strong to damaging north-west to westerly winds, along with squally showers and isolated thunderstorms,” the bureau said.

“The damaging wind risk will continue today (Wednesday), before contracting south and east and clearing by evening.”

Severe Weather Warning for DAMAGING WINDS for people in Adelaide Metropolitan, Mount Lofty Ranges, Lower Eyre Peninsula, Yorke Peninsula, Kangaroo Island, Murraylands, Upper South East, Lower South East and parts of Mid North districts. Refer https://t.co/OPm61X4fGtpic.twitter.com/5pX7nrOOiT

— Country Fire Service (@CFSAlerts) July 27, 2021

There also have been reports of fallen trees and damage to the jetty at Normanville.

Several parts of the state recorded strong winds on Tuesday night, including a 98km/h gust at Cape Borda on Kangaroo Island.

The State Emergency Service warned motorists to drive with care due to trees and debris across roads.

The mercury dipped to 11.7C on Wednesday morning, and is expected to reach a high of 15C.

Seaweed washed up at Glenelg North Beach on Monday. Picture: Donnacha Denneny

Earlier this week, Duty forecaster Hilary Wilson said seas of around 6m to 8m were expected on exposed western and southern coasts over the next few days.

“These weather conditions are being driven by a cold front which will move across from the west of the state,” she said.

Strong winds have brought trees crashing down across the suburbs & hills. This large tree fell onto a home at Millswood this morning. A Severe Weather Warning is in place. @9NewsAdelpic.twitter.com/k01Qhle90w

— Chelsea Carey (@ChelseaCarey_9) July 27, 2021

“It is forecast to arrive in Adelaide late on Tuesday and into Wednesday morning.”

Ms Wilson said the front would create north to north-westerly winds.

“These will result in day time temperatures well above average for this time of the year,” she said.

“Maximums are forecast to reach between four and 12 degrees above average on Tuesday and Adelaide’s forecast maximum is 19 degrees.”

Heavy rain and wind brought down trees and power lines on Old Norton Summit Road on the weekend. Picture: Dean Martin

Ms Wilson said the wintry weather conditions were expected to ease on Thursday before returning at the weekend.

State Emergency Service chief of staff Graeme Wynwood said the strong winds were expected to cause more damage.

“With the combination of the rain over the weekend and the windy conditions forecast, we can expect more trees down,” he said.

“Take steps to stay safe, such as parking cars under cover and well away from trees.”

There were hailstorms over parts of South Australia last Saturday. Picture: Matt Loxton

“Loose items around your property, such as trampolines and outdoor furniture, can become airborne in these windy conditions, so make sure to secure and put them away to prevent damage to your property or your neighbour’s property,” he said.

Mr Wynwood suggested people should listen to local radio stations and monitor the SES website and social media channels for information, updates and advice.

Residents needing assistance from the SES during storms and floods should call 132 500.