Feb 27 • 21:13 UTC 🇦🇺 Australia ABC News AU

'Potentially life-threatening' flooding forecast as SA residents warned to batten down

South Australia is bracing for potentially life-threatening flooding as the Bureau of Meteorology issues severe weather warnings and prepares the public with sandbags amidst an expected deluge.

Residents of South Australia, particularly in Adelaide, are being urged to prepare for a potentially life-threatening flooding event forecasted by the Bureau of Meteorology (BOM). The BOM has indicated that a tropical low is expected to combine with a trough to create significant rainfall, with predictions that Adelaide may experience its heaviest one-day rainfall in nearly a decade. Sandbags are being distributed by the State Emergency Service (SES) to assist residents in safeguarding their properties against the impending downpour.

On Saturday morning, initial rainfall of between 5 to 10 millimeters was recorded in Adelaide within just one hour, setting the stage for what could be an unprecedented weather event. Severe weather warnings and flood alerts have been issued across large sections of South Australia, with particular attention on areas likely to be affected by the most intense rainfall. Local meteorologist Jonathan Fischer emphasized the urgency of the situation, highlighting the tropical low that previously wreaked havoc in the state's outback is now headed south toward more populated regions.

The implications of this severe weather event could be profound for South Australia, where many areas remain vulnerable due to previous weather patterns and infrastructure challenges. The potential for record-setting rainfall not only raises concerns regarding immediate flooding but also poses longer-term risks to communities as they brace for the impacts of climate variability. With emergency services on high alert and residents preparing for possible evacuations, the situation requires close monitoring and community readiness to ensure safety and minimize damage from the anticipated flooding.

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