AUDIO NEWS RELEASE: Blast of wet and windy conditions for SA

14/07/2021

The Bureau of Meteorology is urging South Australian communities to be prepared for late Thursday, Friday and Saturday's potential for damaging winds, local heavy rainfall, thunderstorms and very large waves along western coastlines.

A joint press conference with the SES was held at midday today. An Audio News Release (ANR) of the press conference is available for use for media outlets. Feel free to use excerpts for publication or broadcast.

The ANR includes spokespeople; Bureau of Meteorology Senior Meteorologist, Philip Perkins; and SES Chief of Staff, Derren Halleday.

Senior meteorologist, Philip Perkins, is urging the community to be prepared for significant weather and the risks they present starting late Thursday peaking on Friday and continuing on Saturday. In particular, those members of the community who have plans for later this week, including families considering taking advantage of the final days of school holidays.

"There will be damaging winds on Thursday extending from the west to central, southern and eastern districts on Friday," Philip said. "There will also be significant rainfall, particularly for the Mount Lofty Ranges where totals will range from 50-100mm by the end of the week. This will result in potential flood risk, particularly for Mount Lofty Ranges and upper Onkaparinga.

"Winds will reach 40-60 km/h over West Coast and Eastern Eyre Peninsula later on Thursday with gusts stronger than 90 km/h possible. The Bureau of Meteorology will be issuing a severe weather warning on late Wednesday for Thursday's significant weather.

"For southern parts of the state, there will be local heavy falls including the southern coasts and Mount Lofty Ranges late Thursday with a Thursday rainfall range in those regions to receive between 20-40mm, while agricultural areas will receive 5-20mm of rainfall on Thursday. The Bureau has issued a Flood Watch for these considions.

"Thursday will also see postential for thunderstorms over parts of the state.

"If you're heading out on the water, very large waves will develop about the western coasts from today.

"Looking ahead to Friday when the peak of the hazardous weather will occur, we can expect winds to reach 40-60 km/h over southern SA, with gusts stronger 90 km/h possible, particularly with showers and thunderstorms. These winds can cause minor structural and vegetation damage.

"Rain will increase on Friday with heaviest falls about the southern coasts (25-50mm, reaching 40-80mm about Mount Lofty Ranges south of Barossa), which may lead to water across roads.

"There is the risk of river rises to near minor level about Mount Loft Ranges, particularly upper Onkaparinga.

"Thunderstorms can bring localised heavier falls, as well as small hail.

"Windy conditions could whip up dust, particularly in driest areas of northern SA. We are urging motorists to drive to the conditions if you are in that area.

"Those planning to head out on the water later this week, note there will be very large waves, reaching 6 to 9 metres about western and southern coasts. We are urging boaties and beach goers to check the conditions before heading out.

"On Saturday we will see severe winds, reaching damaging about central and eastern districts, but easing and contracting eastwards during the day. Rain will ease on Saturday to showers, with intermittent hail about coastal areas," said Philip.

For all SA weather warnings, visit the website.