Damaging winds and heavy rainfall in the north, Murraylands prepare for flooding — while Adelaide enjoys sun

Flood watches and severe weather warnings have been issued across parts of South Australia – as NSW and Victoria continue to battle devastating flooding.

The Bureau of Meteorology has issued a severe weather warning for areas in the north, as those along the River Murray edges prepare for flooding.

The alert for damaging winds and heavy rainfall includes the Flinders, North West Pastoral and North East Pastoral districts, including Roxby Downs, Leigh Creek, Hawker, Woomera, Arkaroola and the area east of Lake Frome.

The weather incident is due to a slow moving low pressure system sitting over central parts of the state, drawing in humid and tropical air mass to its east and south.

SAPOL tweeted Wednesday morning that the Olympic Dam Highway is currently closed due to flooding between Pimba and Woomera.

“The Stuart Highway remains open at this time but will also be monitored as more rain was expected overnight,” it said.

“Please take care while driving through the area.”

A Bureau of Meteorology spokesperson said the region has received significant rainfall, given its normally dry climate.

“Since 9am yesterday, Woomera has accumulated 69mm, with Leigh Creek and Maree are just shy of 60mm,” the spokesperson said.

the Olympic Dam Highway is currently closed due to flooding between Pimba and Woomera. Picture: Spuds Roadhouse

The Bureau of Meteorology has issued a severe weather warning for parts of Flinders, North West Pastoral and North East Pastoral districts October 22. Picture: Bureau of Meteorology

The alert warns of heavy rainfall and embedded thunderstorms, with the potential of flash flooding this morning.

Three-hourly rainfall totals of 20 to 30mm are possible, with isolated totals to 50mm.

Strong easterly winds averaging 50 to 60 km/h with damaging wind gusts of 90 to 100 km/h are possible along the Flinders Ranges north of around Hawker.

The system is expected to move slowly eastwards towards the border today, with Adelaide set to receive some of the moisture tomorrow or Friday.

The State Emergency Service have advised residents in the affected areas to move vehicles under cover or away from trees, secure or put away loose items around property, don’t drive, ride or walk through flood water, keep clear of creeks and storm drains and stay indoors, away from windows, while conditions are severe.

If you come across water over the road - turn around. Stay safe by never driving through floodwater.

Water hides the road surface, which can get washed away and large potholes and cracks can form underneath. Unstable road surfaces can collapse under the weight of your vehicle. pic.twitter.com/O4VBt9F5ny

— SASES (@SA_SES) October 17, 2022

FLOOD WARNINGS

Murraylands businesses are preparing for serious flooding as water from the Victorian crisis begins to make its way downstream.

Catastrophic flooding over the boarder could make its way down the River Murray within the next two months, with some Riverland locals fearing the iconic waterway could rise to its highest level in almost 50 years.

However, worried local Riverland business owners are urging visitors to keep coming to the region, with the peak months away and amid uncertainty about how high the Murray will eventually rise.

The water flow into South Australia is already the highest the Murray has been since 2016 when daily flows reached 95GL.

Last Friday, the Department of Environment said the flow into the Murray at the Victorian-SA border was about 79 gigalitres a day but that would increase to around 90GL a day in mid-November. New forecasts will be released later this week, with expectations the flow will easily top 100GL a day.

A car surrounded by flood water on the Esplanade in Maribyrnong in Victoria. Picture: NCA NewsWire / David Crosling

GROCERY PRICES

The nation’s cost of living crisis is expected to deepen as flooding in regional Victoria and New South Wales threatens the supply of groceries.

Flooding has caused widespread damage to orchards in the state’s northeast, impacting peaches, tomatoes, pears and apples across the Goulburn Valley.

Growers and producers are already anticipating lower yields and supply disruptions which will create higher prices for consumers.

The Federal Treasurer is warning the floods will have substantial consequences for the economy.

The government is already providing support but is likely to offer additional help once that clean-up begins.

Originally published as Damaging winds and heavy rainfall in the north, Murraylands prepare for flooding — while Adelaide enjoys sun