South Australia is bracing for a second day of 'treacherous' weather after the storm which left the entire state without power, from 3:48pm on Wednesday. High winds are being blamed for bringing down at least 22 transmission towers, and a lighting strike for taking out a substation near Port Augusta, causing the state-wide blackout.
South Australian Premier Jay Weatherill is urging people in the north of the state in particular to be understanding as they wait for power to be restored.
The lack of electricity caused major problems in the state, with traffic gridlocked during peak hour. Several flights were cancelled, and police say 19 people were stuck in lifts. Suburban trains are expected to resume today (Thursday), and schools are expected to operate. Authorities say storms still to come could produce wind gusts of up to 140 kilometres an hour, and up to 100 millimetres of rain, bringing the risk of flooding. The damaging weather is the result of the most severe low pressure system to hit South Australia in fifty years.
- For storm assistance, call 132 500
- For life threatening emergencies, call Triple Zero at 000
- If you see fallen power lines, call SA Power Networks at 13 13 66
