South Australia braces for severe weather with damaging winds, thunderstorms expected

A severe weather warning for damaging winds is in effect across much of South Australia.

The Weather Bureau says a cold front sweeping in from western Australia will intensify on Sunday afternoon as it reaches western SA.

Devastating wind gusts of over 90 km/h with showers and possible thunderstorms have been forecast for the West Coast and southern parts of the North-West Shepherd District.

Bureau of Meteorology‘s Simon Timcke said the “powerful cold front” will continue to move east, reaching Adelaide in the evening and in the morning.

“We have the potential for some fairly windy conditions as that front moves across and it will also bring showers and some isolated thunderstorms, increasing the likelihood of gusty winds developing as well,” he said.

Mr Timcke said while the risk of a severe thunderstorm in Adelaide was low, the region could expect a total of 20mm to 40mm of rain over the next few days.

South Australian beaches could also see higher-than-average waves over the next few days.

“We’ve got some pretty big waves and high seas on the way,” Mr. Timcke said.

Emergency services have warned people to secure loose items near their homes and move vehicles under cover or away from trees.

The State Emergency Service will be giving out free sandbags at a number of locations across the state today.

Volunteers from Mount Barker SES were busy filling sandbags for collection today.

“We’re expecting a lot of rain and a lot of weather conditions over the next few days, so it’s important to be prepared and ready for that,” said Mel Crossing of SES.

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