"Polar pulses" set to blast Australia: Full force of winter arrives as severe weather warning issued
Parts of Australia’s south is set to receive a triple Antarctic blast with the forecast for today showing heavy rain and damaging winds.
South Australians have been advised to remain vigilant as strong winds, rain and hail approaches the state in what is considered one of the biggest storms of the season.
Matt Bass, senior forecaster at the Bureau of Meteorology, said the front was expected to hit the state today and cross Adelaide’s CBD later this afternoon.
“What we’re looking at is quite a windy front coming through, one of the most significant fronts we’ve seen so far this winter,” he said.
“There is a risk of damaging winds across a broad area of the state, roughly south of Streaky Bay to Port Pirie to Renmark – this includes the Adelaide metropolitan area.
“The heaviest rainfall and strongest winds for Adelaide are likely to be from mid-afternoon through to the evening, including the afternoon commute, so drive to the conditions and stay safe.”
SES chief of staff Trevor Arnold said driving conditions and outdoor activities will become hazardous.
“We’re asking communities to be aware this could cause minor street flooding,” he said.
“We’re urging motorists to not drive, ride or walk through floodwater and keep clear of creeks and storm drains. And also check your gutters.”
Conditions are expected to continue until the end of the week with the Mount Lofty Ranges, Kangaroo Island and parts of the lower southeast of the state expected to receive between 15 and 30mm of rainfall on Wednesday.
Around Australia
NSW is forecasted to remain dry today despite hazardous surf warnings in place for coastal areas. The western suburbs are also expected to be hit with frost and fog this morning.
Queensland can expect showers along the northeast coast and the central inland.
Western Australia will also be dealing with wet weather around Perth and Jurien Bay but is expected to clear up by this afternoon.
Light rain in the north and west of Tasmania is predicted but will turn to heavier showers later this afternoon.
Victoria should also brace themselves for catastrophic winds as thunderstorms and showers are set to cover the state.