Waves of up to nine metres, thunderstorms, heavy rainfall and flooding all forecast from Thursday across SA

The wild weather that battered SA on Thursday is well and truly back – and the bureau says heavy rain and gusty winds will remain into the weekend.

The wild weather tipped to batter SA into the weekend has well and truly arrived

The Bureau of Meteorology has urged the public to continue to brace for severe weather that swept the state on Thursday and has returned on Friday.

State Emergency Services have so far been busy responding to more than 100 weather-related incidents since the storm hit, including trees down at Scott Creek, Hawthorndene, Normanville, Reynella and Dingabledinga in the Mt Lofty Ranges.

An SES spokesman said flooding in properties and storm damaged houses, mainly due to roof flooding, had been widespread as the weather system moved east across the state.

🌧️💨Wet and very windy conditions continuing for southern parts of #SouthAustralia. ⛈️Thunderstorms and small hail possible about parts of the agricultural area. Stay up to date with current warnings: https://t.co/GNcs4J811j Keep an eye on the RADAR: https://t.co/6gWEOtXCvmpic.twitter.com/9ibVfhqueB

— Bureau of Meteorology, South Australia (@BOM_SA) July 15, 2021

Severe Weather Warning for DAMAGING WINDS for Adelaide, Mt Lofty Ranges, West Coast, Lower Eyre Pen, Eastern Eyre Pen, Yorke Pen, Flinders, Mid North, KI, Riverland, Murraylands, Upper South East, Lower South East and parts of NW Pastoral and NE Pastoralhttps://t.co/2z40SHAcl1pic.twitter.com/fJ5674Doxb

— Country Fire Service (@CFSAlerts) July 15, 2021

Damaging winds, local heavy rainfall, thunderstorms and large waves are all forecast to hit the state before the weekend. Wind gusts have so far reached about 80km/h, while the metropolitan area has received between 5mm and 15mm of rain up to 9am on Friday morning. About 20 to 30mm fell in the Hills, reaching about 40mm in some places.

A bureau spokesperson said on Friday morning, “it’s not over yet” as another front was on its way, bringing similar rainfall amounts, along with thunderstorms, hail and gusty winds.

The Adelaide Zoo has cancelled its Light Creatures event on Thursday and Friday evening due to the severe weather.

Part of Illuminate Adelaide, the event features various fake animals and lanterns lit up for night visits on the grounds.

BOM senior metrologist Philip Perkins said “significant weather” and a potential flood risk is likely for the Mount Lofty Ranges.

“There will be damaging winds on Thursday extending from the west to central, southern and eastern districts on Friday,” Mr Perkins said.

Wet and Windy weather on King William street, Adelaide on Friday. Picture: Michael Marschall

“There will also be significant rainfall, particularly for the Mount Lofty Ranges where totals will range from 50 to 100mm by the end of the week.

“This will result in potential flood risk, particularly for Mount Lofty Ranges and upper Onkaparinga.”

Mr Perkins said hail is forecast across the state on Friday, as well as thunderstorms and wind gusts of up to 90km/h

“These winds can cause minor structural and vegetation damage,” he said.

“Those planning to head out on the water later this week, note there will be very large waves, reaching six to nine metres about western and southern coasts.

“We are urging boaties and beach goers to check the conditions before heading out.”

The Barossa Valley is expecting 40mm to 80mm of rain on Friday, and could lead to slippery roads and a risk of cars aquaplaning.

Brollies aplenty on KIng William St in the city on Friday morning. Picture: Tricia Watkinson

Mr Perkins said damaging winds were also forecast for Saturday.

SES chief of staff, Derren Halleday, urged the public to be careful of falling trees.

“Trees will fall down and they’ll fall down on cars, they’ll fall down on houses and they’ll fall down on roadways,” he said.

“So we do ask people to be very vigilant and take some precautions themself on maybe moving their cars outside of areas that trees may come down and making sure that their family is safe.”

A code blue has been activated in Mt Gambier, Victor Harbor, Pt Lincoln, Clare and Kingscote from Wednesday until Monday, and in Adelaide from Thursday until Monday.

The activation means people sleeping rough can find shelter from the severe weather.

The sites open during code blue include:

JULY 15 AND 16:

-Baptist Care’s Westcare Centre

-Hutt St Centre

-SYC Trace-A-Place

-Toward Home- Resolve

JULY 17 AND 18:

-Baptist Care’s Westcare Centre

-Toward Home – Resolve