Adelaide residents are being urged to prepare for a burst of damaging winds tonight, with a Severe Weather Warning issued for parts of the Adelaide Metropolitan and Mount Lofty Ranges districts.
The Bureau of Meteorology says enhanced east to southeasterly gully winds are expected to develop in the lee of the Mount Lofty Ranges this evening and into early Wednesday morning, as a high-pressure ridge to the south combines with a trough in the north to tighten the pressure gradient over the Adelaide Hills.
Wind gusts in excess of 90km/h are possible, particularly across the western slopes of the Mount Lofty Ranges, the foothills, and eastern and southern suburbs of Adelaide. Conditions are forecast to ease after sunrise on Wednesday, though winds may strengthen again later Wednesday evening and into Thursday morning.
These gully wind events are known for producing sudden, localised bursts of strong wind, especially in areas where terrain channels airflow down from the ranges toward the plains. That means suburbs near the foothills and eastern metro fringe could experience the most intense conditions overnight.
Authorities are encouraging households to take simple precautions before the worst of the weather arrives. Securing loose outdoor items, moving vehicles away from trees and sheltered areas, and staying indoors during peak conditions are among the key steps recommended to reduce risk.
The State Emergency Service has advised residents to prepare their properties ahead of time and remain cautious while winds are at their strongest.
- Move vehicles under cover or away from trees
- Secure or put away loose items around your property
- Stay indoors, away from windows, while conditions are severe
While the system is expected to pass relatively quickly, strong overnight winds can still lead to fallen branches, power interruptions, and hazardous driving conditions in exposed areas.
Adelaide locals, particularly those in foothill suburbs and along the ranges, are encouraged to stay across official updates and be ready for rapidly changing conditions through the evening and early morning period.
More information: https://www.bom.gov.au/weather-and-climate/warnings-and-alerts
