Back
World News

Severe Weather, Coastal Hazards Impact South Australia and New South Wales

Generated on: Last updated: 7 sources
View source

Severe Weather Batters South Australia and New South Wales

A low-pressure system has brought severe weather conditions including heavy rain, strong winds, abnormally high tides, and hazardous surf to parts of South Australia and New South Wales, prompting warnings from authorities and emergency service responses.

South Australia

Weather System and Warnings

A low-pressure system moving across South Australia brought strong winds and rain, leading to abnormally high tides and potential flooding in low-lying coastal areas.

  • The Bureau of Meteorology (BoM) issued a coastal hazard warning for abnormally high tides, initially covering the entire state coastline. The warning area was later reduced to Spencer Gulf, Gulf St Vincent, and northern Kangaroo Island.
  • A severe weather warning was issued for dangerous winds forecast up to 90 km/h in the Mount Lofty Ranges and Flinders Ranges.
  • The State Emergency Service (SES) described the coastal event as a "one in 10-year" occurrence.

SES Response

The SES received 328 calls for assistance between June 1 and 1pm Wednesday, according to one report. Another report stated the SES received approximately 200 requests for help in the past 24 hours, mostly from Adelaide and the Adelaide Hills, related to wind damage and minor flooding.

"Taking photos of high tides and waves is not worth the risk." — Ian Bonython, SES state duty officer

On Tuesday, 11 severe flooding warnings were issued, with 180 incidents reported. Mount Barker SES unit was the busiest, responding to 36 calls. Unit Manager Jye Cameron advised the public to secure loose outdoor furniture, inspect properties, clear gutters, and avoid parking under trees.

SES crews responded to flooding at Malvern and along Glenelg's coastline. In Kingston, 100 sandbags were distributed, mostly to Rosetown residents.

As of Wednesday morning, no reports of coastal infrastructure damage had been received. Seven fallen trees were being attended to, and flooding was reported at a home in Balaklava.

Impact and Local Incidents

Flooding: Goodwood Road in Colonel Light Gardens experienced flooding. Resident Mark Le Raye, a 53-year resident, stated flooding occurs quickly due to poor drainage, creating a safety hazard for vehicles.

Coastal Areas: On the Fleurieu Peninsula, Keith Bates visited Second Valley jetty, recently repaired after storm damage, and observed a broken timber piece.

Sandbagging: Residents of Rosetown in Kingston South East sandbagged ahead of rough weather. The area flooded three times last winter. Resident Tony Bryant stated they were better prepared this time.

Erosion Prevention: In Southend, the Wattle Range Council installed hay bales to prevent erosion at the town's beach, protecting a caravan park and bridge. Council CEO Ben Gower said the bales held up well but are not a permanent solution.

Beach Erosion: The tidal surge washed away substantial beach sand from metropolitan beaches, including material from the state government's replenishment program. A dune care group expressed concern.

Jetties: Jetties at Henley Beach, Brighton, and Glenelg were closed Tuesday due to severe weather.

Other Closures: Sidewood Estate cellar door in the Adelaide Hills closed after flash flooding.

Power Outages: Power outages affected approximately 911 customers across Balhannah, Carey Gully, Mount George, Christies Beach, South Plympton, and Uleybury, according to SA Power Networks.

Tidal Surge Monitoring: Yorke Peninsula and Port Pirie experienced peak sea levels overnight after an abnormal high tide surge warning. SES reduced threat levels for both areas by Wednesday morning. Coastal flood warnings for Port Lincoln, Arno Bay, Tulka, and Middle Beach were also reduced.

Official Statements

  • Robert Charlton, SES chief of staff: Noted that the warning area may extend over the next 12 to 24 hours, into Wednesday morning.
  • SES Spokesperson: Indicated the state was likely at the "tail end" of the extreme weather.

New South Wales

Severe Weather and Marine Warnings

Heavy rainfall, strong winds, and potential flash floods were forecast for the southern region of New South Wales (NSW).

  • The Bureau of Meteorology issued a severe weather warning for the NSW South Coast.
  • A coastal hazard warning was issued for approximately 800 kilometers of coastline, stretching from Seal Rocks down to the Victorian border.
  • A "one-in-50 to one-in-100-year" weather event was warned for the coastline, with gale-force winds generating massive seas and large swells.
  • The BoM issued a storm force marine wind warning south of Norah Head, indicating winds equivalent to a Category 2 tropical cyclone.

Rainfall and Flooding Forecasts

  • Forecasts indicated up to 80mm of rain could fall in a six-hour period through Friday morning along the NSW South Coast.
  • Sydney was also expected to experience significant rainfall over the weekend, with up to 100mm of rain predicted for Saturday and Sunday. Thunderstorms were also forecast.
  • Six-hourly rainfall totals of 50 to 80 millimeters were anticipated on the south coast on Friday, with isolated falls reaching up to 120 millimeters.

Impact and Incidents

Evacuations: Campers at the Garden of Eden caravan park in Eden were evacuated from low-lying areas into cabins. The manager reported the nearby river rose, affecting the park's fence line.

SES Response: The SES received 98 calls for assistance in the south-eastern zone in the 24-hour period leading up to Friday morning.

Wind Gusts: Wind gusts recorded include 119 km/h at Green Cape and 130 km/h at Montague Island. Strongest winds were anticipated to extend to the Illawarra, with gusts potentially hitting 120 km/h. Sydney's southern coastline was forecast to experience gusts above 100 km/h.

Travel Disruptions: Conditions led to delays at Sydney airport, cancellations of some ferry services (including the F1 Manly Ferry), and cancellations of trains and metro services on Sydney's north shore.

Coastal Inundation: High tides and significant swells, reaching up to 4-5 meters at locations like Thirroul Beach, caused considerable damage. Thirroul Surf Club's roller door and interior were impacted by waves. Austinmer Beach and Sandon Point were also inundated, with Sandon Point reporting damage to its stairways, walkways, and pathways. Many beaches experienced significant erosion.

"Surf heights would exceed 5 meters along the majority of the Batemans Bay to Hunter stretch of coastline for the next 36 to 48 hours." — Brent Manieri, Surf Life Saving NSW

Wave Heights: Wave heights recorded include a maximum of 5.7 meters by the Sydney wave buoy and approximately 8 meters in the deep waters off the Eden coast.

Snowfall: Temperatures dropped below zero in parts of NSW's central and southern tablelands and the Snowy Mountains. Snowfall was reported in Orange and Millthorpe, and at ski resorts such as Perisher (10cm overnight) and Thredbo (15cm). The BoM forecasted blizzard conditions for areas above 1,600 meters. Parts of NSW and the Australian Capital Territory were forecast to experience their coolest March day in over 30 years.

Power Outages: Severe storms impacted the east coast, resulting in tens of thousands of power outages in NSW. Approximately 4,000 homes remained without power.

Storm Incidents: The SES recorded 400 incidents statewide, with 46 in Dubbo, where a crane partially collapsed on a building site. Fallen trees damaged vehicles and power lines in various areas. This severe weather followed a storm that swept through Sydney less than 24 hours prior, causing over 400 incidents statewide.

Official Statements and Advice

Surf Life Saving NSW: General manager Brent Manieri stated that waves could exceed 10 meters in some areas, with peak heights potentially surging close to 15 meters. Swell periods in excess of 15 to 16 seconds indicated extremely powerful surf. Beachgoers were advised to avoid the coast for swimming, surfing, boating, and fishing. Surf Life Saving NSW's emergency response capabilities may also be significantly impacted by the conditions.

NSW SES Superintendent Matt Kirby: Urged residents to prepare homes by securing loose items and avoiding parking or sheltering under trees. The SES stated it would monitor coastal erosion, particularly in prone areas like Wamberal, North Entrance, and Stockton.

NSW SES Advice: Campers and travelers in high-risk, low-lying coastal areas were advised to pack up and relocate. Caravan park operators in the Illawarra also contacted campers regarding precautions and potential evacuations. Residents were urged to exercise caution on roads, particularly in the Illawarra. Flash flooding on roads was identified as a potential risk.

Marine Area Command: Ch Insp Anthony Brazzill advised the public to avoid entering the water due to unpredictable swells and strong winds, which could also impede emergency services' search and rescue capabilities.

Surf Life Saving Illawarra: Deputy officer Anthony Turner urged the public to avoid water and stay clear of rock platforms, headlands, and exposed beaches due to the dangerous conditions.

Forecast

A severe weather warning for the region was cancelled, and winds were expected to subside, allowing cleanup efforts to commence. The heaviest rain was forecast to shift north, impacting the Illawarra and Sydney on Saturday, and the Hunter region by Sunday. Destructive winds were expected to continue along much of the coastline before easing over the weekend. The BoM forecasted higher temperatures for Sydney (23C Saturday, 25C Sunday) and Melbourne (19C Saturday, 20C Sunday) during the weekend.