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Brutal winds of up to 100km/h are expected to batter South Australia after a powerful low-pressure system wreaked havoc across Western Australia over the weekend.
WA is still dealing with the aftermath of the rare weather event, which brought destructive winds, widespread power outages and coastal damage, while forecasters warn the same system is now moving across southern and eastern Australia.
A severe weather warning remains in place for large parts of South Australia, with the Bureau of Meteorology warning of damaging wind gusts, hazardous coastal conditions and potential impacts to infrastructure.
Bureau meteorologist Angus Hines said the broad low-pressure system crossing the Great Australian Bight would bring the strongest impacts to South Australia on Monday before shifting east overnight.
“For South Australia, almost all southern areas are in warning for damaging wind gusts, mostly on Monday,” Mr Hines said.
“For Adelaide, it’s likely to be Monday evening, pushing into early Tuesday morning, where the wind strongest. 90 to 100 km/h wind gusts are possible.”
He said while rain would accompany the system, the biggest concern was the wind.
“For the most part in the next few days, while a lot of places will get some rain associated with this weather system, the rain isn’t forecast to be heavy and we don’t forecast a significant flood risk in most areas.
“What could be more significant than the wet weather will be the windy weather.”
People living in affected areas are being urged to stay indoors where possible, secure loose outdoor items and prepare for possible power outages.
Mr Hines warned winds of this strength often lead to fallen trees, dangerous driving conditions and disruptions to electricity networks.
A Coastal Hazard Warning has been issued for parts of South Australia and western Victoria, with abnormally high tides and large waves expected to peak on Tuesday afternoon.
The warning stretches from the Nullarbor coast and Ceduna through the Eyre and Yorke Peninsulas, Adelaide’s coastline, the Limestone Coast and into western Victoria.
Mr Hines said the combination of powerful waves and elevated sea levels could lead to coastal erosion and localised inundation.
“We certainly could see some flooded roads, car parks, walkways and bike paths along the ocean there, and potentially in a couple of spots where it’s worse, we could see some water pushing into and onto property.”
Wild weather battles WA
The same weather system left a trail of destruction across southern Western Australia over the weekend, with emergency crews responding to fallen trees, damaged power infrastructure and coastal impacts.
Bureau meteorologist Alana Cherny described the system as one of the strongest seen in some time.
“This is an unusually deep low-pressure system, the likes of which we haven’t seen for quite a few years.”
The strongest recorded wind gusts included 135km/h at Cape Naturaliste, 133km/h at Cape Leeuwin and 120km/h at Busselton.
Perth recorded a gust of 93km/h, while locations further east including Ravensthorpe and Mount Barker also approached 100km/h.
While conditions have eased across the southwest, damaging winds are continuing east of Albany and south of Kalgoorlie on Monday.
“We’re looking at sustained winds of 60 to 70 km/h with gusts up to 100 km/h,” Ms Cherny said.
She said damaging surf, coastal erosion and abnormally high tides remained a concern along parts of the west and south coasts.
“We will continue to see some impacts from this severe weather today, including some trees down with possible damage to property.
“We could see some more power lines down, bringing further power outages.
“And those coastal conditions continue to bring the risk of coastal erosion and inundation of low-lying coastal areas.”
NSW and Victoria next in line
The weather system is forecast to move into Victoria on Monday night before affecting parts of NSW on Tuesday.
Victoria’s warning area includes parts of the Otway Coast, the Mornington and Bellarine peninsulas, northern Melbourne suburbs and the state’s northeast ranges.
In NSW, damaging winds are forecast for parts of the Snowy Mountains, Southern Tablelands and Blue Mountains, including Katoomba and Oberon. Wind gusts of up to 100km/h are possible.
The highest peaks of the Snowy Mountains could experience gusts up to 125km/h, along with snow and blizzard-like conditions.
“Anyone at those highest elevations, absolutely please do take care,” Mr Hines said.
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