South Australia’s having a really rough time with the weather right now. It’s been super windy and wet, and honestly, things have gotten a bit out of hand in some places. There’s been flooding, power outages, and quite a bit of damage. Some folks even had to cancel their plans because roads are blocked or there’s just no electricity at home. And from what it looks like, the bad weather might hang around a bit longer. Authorities are asking everyone to be cautious and check alerts regularly. It’s just one of those weeks where staying home might be the safest bet.
Winds Knock Out Power and Make Coastline Risky
There’s this cold front that’s hit the state and brought really strong winds with it. Like, we’re talking winds over 120 km/h. That’s the kind of wind that can knock over trees and rip down power lines, which is exactly what’s been happening. In places like Port Noarlunga, the waves have been crashing so hard that jetties are almost underwater.
Coastal roads are flooded, and traffic’s a mess in some areas. The Bureau of Meteorology said the winds could stick around until Tuesday, so it’s probably not the best time to go for a beach walk or hang out near the water. People living near the coast are being told to stay away from the shore for now, just to be safe.
Power Cuts and Road Closures Causing Big Problems
More than 16,000 homes and businesses have lost power so far, and honestly, that number might go up. Suburbs in Adelaide like Marion and nearby areas have been hit the hardest. A bunch of traffic lights are out too, so driving’s risky, especially at night.
There’s debris on roads, fallen trees, and some roads have even been closed completely. Main South Road, for example, had to be shut down in both directions because of flooding. Emergency services have been super busy—SES teams have taken over 200 calls already, and most of them are about trees falling or flooding damage. It’s a mess out there, and crews are doing their best to keep things under control.
Travel Plans Disrupted as Ferries and Flights Cancelled
If you had travel plans this week, chances are they’ve been affected. Ferry services to Kangaroo Island have been cancelled for now. It’s just too dangerous to run them in these conditions. Flights to places like Port Lincoln are also being delayed or outright cancelled.
Authorities are straight up saying: if you don’t really need to travel, don’t. Roads are risky, public transport’s disrupted, and you’re better off staying put till the storm passes.
How to Stay Safe While the Weather’s Bad
The SES has shared a few simple tips that can actually make a big difference. First off, bring in anything outside that could blow away—stuff like outdoor furniture, bins, and tools. Park your car somewhere safe, away from trees or power lines if you can. Try not to stand near windows during strong winds because flying debris is a real risk.
If you see floodwater, don’t drive through it—it might look shallow, but it can be way deeper than it seems. Keep a torch, batteries, and a basic emergency kit ready too, just in case the power goes out where you are. And keep checking weather updates on Alert SA or the Bureau of Meteorology’s site. Things can change quickly in weather like this.
Which Areas Are Most Affected Right Now?
There are weather alerts in place across a lot of regions. If you're in or near any of these places, keep a close eye on updates and be extra careful:
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Adelaide Metro
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Mount Lofty Ranges
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Kangaroo Island
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Flinders and Mid North
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Lower and Eastern Eyre Peninsula
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Yorke Peninsula
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Riverland and Murraylands
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Upper and Lower South East
Emergency services are already stretched thin, so if you're safe, try to stay that way and avoid risky situations.
