23/05/2025
Winter’s first bite arrives early for parched SA
Extreme weather including damaging wind gusts in excess of 100km/h, showers and thunderstorms and potentially record waves and sea levels are forecast for southern South Australia this weekend.
After enduring the driest start to the year on record across much of SA’s agricultural areas, southern parts of SA including Adelaide, will be bracing for strong 90-120km/h winds over the weekend.
The South Australian State Emergency Service (SES) reminds people to use caution around coastlines as the storm surge is expected to see ocean swells rise to between six and nine metres, with the possibility of eclipsing the previous record high for the month of May of 8.5m, less than week out from the highest tide of the year on Wednesday.
As a result of SA’s extended dry period, distressed trees suffering from a lack of moisture will be much more susceptible to strong winds, increasing the likelihood of trees being uprooted and dropping branches.
The SES is encouraging people to take proactive action to minimise the impacts of tree damage to their homes and property.
This includes trimming any overhanging tree branches around your property and ensuring gutters, downpipes and drains are clear of leaf litter and other debris.
The SES also advises to secure loose items around the home such as outdoor furniture and children’s play equipment ahead of the forecast damaging winds.
Tinder-dry conditions across much of SA have also prompted the Country Fire Service (CFS) to urge people to remain vigilant if planning burn-off activities or campfires, especially near scrub or timbered vegetation.
Quotes from SES State Duty Officer Craig Brassington:
'The rapid onset of destructive or damaging winds is often the main reason for damage to property and is responsible for bringing down power lines, causing power disruptions.
'The SES will always be on call to support communities in need however, I encourage people to take proactive action now to prepare their properties for the winter months.
'We encourage people to visit the SES website to undertake some simple, proactive steps which can contribute to minimising potential storm damage to homes and properties.'
Quotes from CFS State Duty Commander Ann Buesnel
'Dry conditions across the state, combined with strong winds forecast for this weekend, significantly heighten the risk of fires spreading out of control.
'We are urging the community to remain vigilant. If you are planning activities like burn offs or campfires, especially near scrub or timbered vegetation, please assess conditions carefully and take appropriate safety precautions.
Our volunteers will be ready to support South Australians with whatever this weekend brings, and we thank them for their continued dedication.'
Quotes from Bureau of Meteorology Meteorologist Hannah Colhoun.
'In the 15 months, since February 2024 severe rainfall deficiencies extend across most of South Australia's agricultural areas. In Adelaide we have seen the driest start to the year since records began in 1939 with only 30.8mm recorded so far this year (average to end of May: 175.5mm).
Over the weekend a vigorous weather system will move across southern South Australia, the strongest being later Sunday and into Monday, bringing damaging wind gusts, squally showers and thunderstorms, large waves and high sea levels. This will be the strongest cold front since at least last winter.'
To prepare for severe weather and storms the SES advises:
Trim trees and branches that could fall on your home or property
Cleaning your gutters and downpipes of leaves and debris
Fix any damage to your roof
Park vehicles away from trees and under cover
Checking and clearing drains on your property
Secure loose items in your yard including outdoor furniture and play equipment
Checking adequacy of insurance coverage
Be prepared for power outages
For emergency storm assistance people should call 132 500, for life threatening emergencies call Triple Zero (000).
To learn more about how to prepare for storms visit: www.ses.sa.gov.au/storm
Full story: https://www.ses.sa.gov.au/data/35623/winter-s-first-bite-arrives-early-for-parched-sa.jsp
