Severe thunderstorms forecast for SA

Damaging winds and thunderstorms are likely to hit much of South Australia as firefighters battle to contain massive bushfires.

A severe thunderstorm warning has been issued for much of South Australia as massive bushfires rip through the state.

Severe storms are likely to produce damaging winds with gusts in excess of 90 km/h in the warning area on Saturday afternoon, the Bureau of Meteorology says.

The warning has been issued for the Flinders, Mid North, Riverland and Murraylands districts and parts of the Mount Lofty Ranges, Yorke Peninsula, Upper South East, North West Pastoral and North East Pastoral districts.

Whyalla, Renmark, Clare, Murray Bridge, Roxby Downs and Leigh Creek may also be affected.

People should secure loose items, move cars under cover or away from trees, and keep clear of fallen power lines, the State Emergency Service says.