SA'S BIG BLACKOUT

ONAIR 8223 0000 onair@fiveaa.com.au Sep 28, 2016 SHARE Image | @ColinJamesTiser 4:43pm -- Reports the estimated time to restore power is 4am Thursday morning. 4:29pm -- Power is OUT across South Australia after an “upstream” problem with an interconnector after the last storm, SA Power Networks tells FIVEaa. SAPN’s Paul Roberts said: “The whole state is without supply. We’re not receiving any supply from the upstream transmission network… we believe there’s been some issue with the interconnector to Victoria, and has resulted in South Australia losing its power.” He said take extreme care -- “There wont be any traffic lights available.” Some intersections with battery backup appear to be still working. Paul Roberts said it would take hours for power to be restored. Adelaide Metro reports that the Seaford and Tonsley trains are not running during to the power outage – all others are operating as close to schedule as possible. It also advises that trams are not running buses are experiencing delays. 4:05 -- Power out across Adelaide. 3:43pm – Next wave of the super storm rolls in. The BOM has made a statement warning residents about a severe thunderstorm scheduled to hit Adelaide on Wednesday afternoon. “Heavy rainfall that may lead to flash flooding and damaging wind gusts of 90-100 km/h are expected in the Adelaide Metropolitan and Mount Lofty Ranges districts. Large hailstones are not expected in these districts,” the BOM said. It also warned of severe thunderstorms likely to produce destructive wind gusts up to 140 km/h, heavy rainfall that may lead to flash flooding and large hailstones affecting Whyalla, Clare, Maitland, Hawker and Leigh Creek. 3:37pm -- Unbelievable video of Wednesday’s storm smashing Cleve, SA: 12.33pm -- Thousands of Adelaide homes without power. Thousands of homes are without power due to “storm activity” as strong winds and rain lash the state. More than 2,000 homes are out in Black Forest, Forestville, Glandore, Goodwood and Millswood. All current outages are available from the SA Power Networks website. 12.28pm -- By just after midday, Adelaide had recorded 3.6mm of rain. Whyalla – 13.6mm. Kadina – 10.4mm. 10.11am -- Menacing photo of thunderstorm hitting Woomera. The BOM posts an incredible photo of thunderstorm passing Woomera on its way across the Eyre Peninsula. EARLIER South Australians are preparing for one of the most extreme weather systems to hit the state in recent decades. Drenching rain and potentially storm-force winds are expected to lash large parts of SA on Wednesday and Thursday. Winds strengths not seen in more than 50 years are predicted, particularly in coastal areas, while up to 100 millimetres of rain is forecast for the Adelaide Hills. These winds should average about 90km/h at their peak, whipping up ocean waves of more than 10 metres. It comes from an unusually deep low pressure system forecast to move up over Kangaroo Island and into the Adelaide area on Wednesday evening. "This depth of low, this close to the coast, is very damaging," the Bureau of Metereology SA's director John Nairn said. "It's a very significant event for South Australia. It's very rare." State Emergency Services have distributed scores of sand bags across both metropolitan and regional areas in preparation for likely flooding. SES chief officer Chris Beattie said power lines will undoubtedly fall and there may be long outages for homes and businesses. -With AAP SA'S BIG BLACKOUT Sep 28, 2016 SA'S BIG BLACKOUT: * Severe winds and lightning caused major damage to energy infrastructure in SA's mid north including high-voltage transmission lines. * The damage caused generators across the power network to shut down with the interconnector with Victoria automatically cut to prevent further damage. * SA Power Networks reports outages to about 200,000 customers with services to be progressively restored, first in Adelaide and then country towns. * The blackout triggered widespread gridlock on Adelaide roads, with a spate of accidents and forcing police to direct traffic and to urge people to stay home. * Premier Jay Weatherill said some people could be without power for several hours as services were progressively restored. He urged locals to watch out for frail or elderly neighbours. * Hospitals and other emergency services were continuing to operate on back-up power. * The emergency came amid severe weather with an intense low pressure system the worst to blast SA for more than 50 years. * A flood watch remains in place for the Adelaide Hills and other parts of the state with up to 100mm of rain expected to fall across Wednesday and Thursday. BREAKING NEWS MH17 missile 'driven from Russia' Cronk, Taumalolo win Dally M medal SA's big blackout Aliir Aliir to miss AFL grand final Backpackers tax a shemozzle: Xenophon Former Aussie cricketer Max Walker dies ================================== Forecast issued at 5:40 am CST on Thursday 29 September 2016. Weather Situation An intense low 974 hPa near northwestern Kangaroo Island is tracking east to be near the southern Fleurieu Peninsula by mid morning, then near Bordertown by mid afternoon. A high pressure system will move in from the west on Friday and then move east of the State early Saturday, ahead of a trough moving over the west later Saturday and a cold front moving across the State on Sunday. Forecast for the rest of Thursday Cloudy. Very high (95%) chance of rain. Rain and showers heavy at times. The chance of a thunderstorm in the late morning and afternoon. Winds northwesterly 50 to 60 km/h tending westerly 45 to 65 km/h in the morning. Daytime maximum temperatures between 10 and 15. Sun protection 9:30am to 3:00pm, UV Index predicted to reach 6 [High] 7 day Town Forecasts Rain, possibly heavy. Windy. Port Pirie – 14 Rain, possibly heavy. Windy. Jamestown – 10 Rain, possibly heavy. Windy. Clare – 11 Rain, possibly heavy. Windy. Roseworthy – 14 Rain, possibly heavy. Windy. Snowtown – 14 Marketing Friday 30 September Cloudy. High (80%) chance of showers, most likely in the morning. Winds west to southwesterly 35 to 50 km/h decreasing to 15 to 20 km/h in the late evening. Overnight temperatures falling to between 4 and 7 with daytime temperatures reaching between 12 and 15. Saturday 1 October Mostly sunny. Winds westerly 15 to 20 km/h turning northerly 25 to 35 km/h during the day. Overnight temperatures falling to between 1 and 4 with daytime temperatures reaching the low 20s. Sunday 2 October Mostly sunny morning. High (70%) chance of showers, most likely in the afternoon and evening. Winds north to northwesterly 25 to 40 km/h tending northwest to southwesterly during the afternoon. Overnight temperatures falling to around 11 with daytime temperatures reaching the low to mid 20s. Adelaide’s in chaos -- but where’s Jay? Sep 29, 2016 David Penberthy | FIVEaa Adelaide’s in chaos -- but where’s Jay? https://shar.es/1xAmY2 David Penberthy has accused premier Jay Weatherill of a “backside covering exercise” on the morning after the state’s entire power supply went down. “From a crisis management perspective, he’s chosen to spend much of this morning talking to the national media,” Penbo said on Thursday’s FIVEaa breakfast. “He’s done Sky News, he’s spoken to Radio National…” “So much of this is about him wanting to scotch the perception nationally that South Australia is a basket case when it comes to its power industry.” Penbo said the state’s power supply could “no longer be accurately described as reliable”. “Our listeners needs and deserve the nuts and bolts logistical explanation from the premier as to what his government and all the relevant emergency services people are doing today. “So much of what he has been doing this morning has had nothing to do with talking directly to the people of South Australia.” ========================== IDS20364 Australian Government Bureau of Meteorology, South Australia Minor Flood Warning for the Onkaparinga River Issued at 8:36 am CST on Thursday 29 September 2016 Flood Warning Number: 2 Minor flooding is occurring in the upper Onkaparinga River and is expected to continue during Thursday morning and into Thursday afternoon. River levels in the middle Onkaparinga River are rising, and are expected to exceed the minor flood level later Thursday morning. Rainfalls totals of up to 80 mm have been recorded in the 24 hours to 9AM Thursday in the Onkaparinga River catchment, resulting in river rises in the Onkaparinga River and its tributaries. A further 40 to 80 mm is expected in the Mount Lofty Ranges during Thursday into Friday which will result in further river rises and areas of flooding. Upper Onkaparinga River above Verdun: Minor flooding is occurring along the Upper Onkaparinga River above Verdun. The Onkaparinga River at Oakbank will remain above the minor flood level (2.10 m) during Thursday morning. Middle Onkaparinga River between Verdun and Mt Bold Reservoir: Minor flooding is expected along the Middle Onkaparinga River between Verdun and Mt Bold Reservoir. The Onkaparinga River at Verdun is expected to exceed the minor flood level (4.00 m) during Thursday morning. Flood Safety Advice: People are advised to keep away from fast flowing water and not drive through it. For emergency assistance please call the SES on 132 500. Next Issue: The next warning will be issued by 01:00 pm CST on Thursday 29 September 2016. Latest River Heights: Location Height of River (m) Tendency Date/Time of Observation Onkaparinga River at Charleston 2.29 Rising 08:30 AM THU 29/09/16 Onkaparinga River at Woodside 1.70 Rising 08:32 AM THU 29/09/16 Western Branch at Tiers Road 1.50 Steady 08:27 AM THU 29/09/16 Lenswood Creek at Swamp Road 1.40 Steady 08:33 AM THU 29/09/16 Onkaparinga River at Oakbank 2.55 Rising 08:34 AM THU 29/09/16 Onkaparinga River at Verdun 1.23 Rising 08:30 AM THU 29/09/16 Aldgate Creek at Aldgate 1.12 Steady 08:34 AM THU 29/09/16 Onkaparinga River at Clarendon Weir 10.82 Steady 08:30 AM THU 29/09/16 Onkaparinga River at Old Noarlunga 3.58 Rising 08:30 AM THU 29/09/16 This advice is also available by dialling 1300 659 215 . Warning, rainfall and river information are available at www.bom.gov.au/sa/flood. The latest weather forecast is available at www.bom.gov.au/sa/forecasts. ============================= Wed Sep 28, 2016 | 10:04am EDT Lightning storms knock out power to entire Australian state Visitors bring trouble to Norway's polar bears Artist couple creates "tchotchke heaven" mosaic house Cedar Rapids spared from major flooding Iowa braces for historic flooding Lightning strikes leave Australian state in the dark 00:44 By James Regan and Tom Westbrook | SYDNEY Severe storms and thousands of lightning strikes knocked out power to the entire state of South Australia on Wednesday, authorities said, leading to port closures and commuter chaos. South Australia is the country's fifth most populous state, with 1.7 million people and Adelaide as its capital, and is a major wine producer and traditional manufacturing hub. The Bureau of Meteorology said a vigorous cold front was moving across the state with an intense low pressure system due on Thursday. "We'll have gale force winds and large seas (across the south of the country); also heavy rain and thunderstorms, which will lead to renewed river rises," it said on its website. SA Power Networks said repairs to its transmission network were underway. left right 2/2 left right Police direct traffic in the central business district (CBD) of Adelaide after severe storms and thousands of lightning strikes knocked out power to the entire state of South Australia, September 28, 2016. AAP/David Mariuz/via REUTERS 1/2 left right 2/2 left right 1/2 "There were more than 21,000 lightning strikes recorded over a 12-hour period from midday yesterday on the West Coast, and as a result it is likely some damage has occurred to our distribution network," it said. The state had been brought to a standstill, with ports closed, trains and trams stopped, traffic lights out and long commuter delays, state agencies said. South Australia was relying on accessing power from Australia's populous east coast via a power interconnector with the neighboring state of Victoria when there was a failure on Wednesday. No power was flowing from Victoria into South Australia, said a spokesman for the Australian Energy Market Operator, which operates the power systems in southern and eastern Australia. When the state tried to compensate, it experienced what is known as a "voltage collapse", Simon Emms, executive manager of network services at network operator ElectraNet, told ABC Radio, due to storm damage to power lines. This led to a statewide outage. A spokeswoman for Electranet said power was being restored to some areas of Adelaide, but could not say when the lights would go on across the state. Also In Global Energy News Wall Street rallies as OPEC reaches output deal Exclusive: Airbus to create two new czars as reorganization takes shape "Now, clearly, questions will be raised," Federal Minister for the Environment and Energy Josh Frydenberg told Sky News. "Serious questions will be raised that need to be answered as to how this extreme weather event could take out the whole of the electricity supply across a major state such as South Australia." The impact was wide-ranging, with traffic coming to a standstill in Adelaide while power supplies were disrupted to BHP Billiton's Olympic Dam copper-uranium mine, a huge mining operation more than 500 km (300 miles) to the northwest. A BHP spokesman said back-up power generation was being used to run critical infrastructure. (Writing by Jonathan Barrett; Editing by Nick Macfie) ================================= SA storm set to strike again Sep 29, 2016 The storms have temporarily slowed in South Australia and power is returning to homes but the foul weather is set to return with renewed ferocity. The Bureau of Meteorology says the storms will intensify again on Thursday afternoon, bringing more rain and destructive winds in some areas. People in Adelaide have been advised to leave work early as a severe storm brings fierce winds to the city. "If you are able to leave work early, do so," State Emergency Services chief officer Chris Beattie told reporters on Thursday afternoon. He said if the forecast conditions arrive, the storm will bring the strongest Adelaide has ever experienced. Wind gusts of up to 140km/h are possible, especially along the west coast of Eyre Peninsula and up to 100mm of rain could fall across the Adelaide Hills. "We remain in the middle of this event and there is a significant way to go," Premier Jay Weatherill told reporters in Adelaide on Thursday. About 75,000 homes are still blacked out in the state's north and on the Eyre Peninsula but power is being restored to about 90 per cent of the state's properties. Mr Weatherill warned some households, particularly in northern areas, could remain without power for at least a couple of days. He described the storm as "catastrophic" and said it had involved weather events not seen before in SA. "Such as twin tornadoes, which ripped through the northern parts of our state," he said. At the height of the drama on Wednesday super cell storms with destructive winds and tornadoes ripped more than 20 transmission towers in SA's north out of the ground, bringing down three major transmission lines. Lightning also damaged energy infrastructure, with 80,000 strikes hitting the state over a short period. It caused a state-wide blackout that plunged SA into darkness. The ongoing power supply problems have sparked calls for an independent inquiry with Senator Nick Xenophon urging the Australian Energy Market Commission to carry out a robust analysis. The South Australian Opposition has also called for an immediate investigation. "The situation that occurred yesterday was totally unacceptable and we need to ensure it does not happen again," Opposition Leader Steven Marshall said. Federal Energy Minister Josh Frydenberg will bring the state and territory energy ministers together within weeks to discuss ways of avoiding the cascading effect of power blackouts and how to better manage the shift to renewable energy. Mr Weatherill said the state's power system was designed to shut itself down when such heavy damage was sustained, which protected it from further damage. He said the return of power had been efficient in such extreme circumstances, comparing it to a city-wide blackout in New York in 2003 that lasted much longer. Emergency relief grants of $700 will be available to those without power for extended periods. The State Emergency Service has been swamped, responding to more than 900 calls since the storms began, including many flooded homes. "We had about 100 homes inundated across the metro area," SES chief officer Chris Beattie said. On Thursday, a dam burst in the Barossa Valley, north of Adelaide, posing a flood risk for the town of Greenock. Mr Beattie said SA's coasts were at risk with the coming strong winds throughout the rest of the day. "Coupled with a high tide it may indeed threaten the city defences in Port Pirie," he said. =========================== #Moana #PortNoarlunga #SAStorms #AdelaideStorm @theTiser ============ Updated Marine Wind Warning Summary for South Australia Issued at 3:50 pm CST on Thursday 29 September 2016 for the period until midnight CST Friday 30 September 2016. Wind Warnings for Thursday 29 September Storm Force Wind Warning for the following areas: Central Coast, South Central Coast, Spencer Gulf and Investigator Strait Gale Warning for the following areas: Adelaide Metropolitan Waters, Upper West Coast, Lower West Coast, Gulf St Vincent and Upper South East Coast Strong Wind Warning for the following area: Far West Coast Wind Warnings for Friday 30 September Gale Warning for the following areas: Adelaide Metropolitan Waters, Lower West Coast, Central Coast, South Central Coast, Spencer Gulf, Gulf St Vincent and Upper South East Coast Strong Wind Warning for the following areas: Upper West Coast, Investigator Strait and Lower South East Coast The next marine wind warning summary will be issued by 5:10 am CST Friday. Check the latest Coastal Waters Forecast or Local Waters Forecast for information on wind, wave and weather conditions for these coastal zones. ================ Flood warning for the Torrens River Sep 29, 2016 Image | Torrens near Vale Park | @891adelaide The BOM has issued flood warning for the upper and middle Torrens River sections… Minor flooding may occur along the upper Torrens ABOVE Gumeracha Weir, the bureau says. By Thursday afternoon the Gumeracha Weir was at minor flood level (11.40m) – and likely to rise further during the evening. The BOM also advises that flooding is likely along the middle Torrens between Gumeracha and Gorge weirs. The Torrens River at Kangaroo Creek Dam is likely to reach the minor flood level (47.50 m) overnight Thursday into Friday. The Torrens River at Gorge Weir is likely to reach the minor flood level (11.30 m) overnight Thursday into Friday. The water level in Sixth Creek has risen to the minor flood level and is currently easing but is expected to rise again with further forecast rainfall Thursday afternoon and evening. People are advised to keep away from fast flowing water and call the SES for emergency assistance on 132 500 – or 000 if it is life-threatening. ====================== Australian Government Bureau of Meteorology, South Australia Major Flood Warning for the Gawler River Catchment The North Para River and South Para River Issued at 9:07 pm CST on Thursday 29 September 2016 Flood Warning Number: 2 In the 24 hours to 9pm Thursday, rainfall totals of up to 50mm have been recorded in the Gawler River catchment. A further 10 to 20mm is possible overnight. Moderate to major flooding is expected along the North Para and Gawler River catchment, and the South Para River may reach minor flood levels during Friday. North Para above Nuriootpa: Minor to moderate flooding is expected along the North Para River above Nuriootpa. The North Para River at Nuriootpa is currently at 2.42 metres and rising. The North Para River at Nuriootpa is expected to exceed the minor flood level (2.50 m) late Thursday evening. A moderate flood peak is likely around 12:00 am Friday. North Para between Nuriootpa and Turretfield Dam: Major flooding may occur along the North Para between Nuriootpa and Turretfield Dam. The North Para River at Yaldara is at 3.27 metres and rising. The North Para River at Yaldara is expected to exceed the moderate flood level (3.50 m) late Thursday evening. The river level may reach the major flood level (3.80 m) early Friday morning. The North Para River at Turretfield Dam is expected to reach the minor flood level (72.00 m) early Friday morning. South Para above South East Gawler: Levels in the South Para reservoir will continue to rise throughout Thursday and Friday and the reservoir may reach capacity on Friday or Saturday, depending on rainfall. The South Para River at South East Gawler may reach the minor flood level (2.90 m) Friday morning. Gawler Township: Minor flooding is expected in the Gawler River at Gawler Township. The Gawler River at Gawler West is expected to reach the minor flood level (5.40 m) late Thursday evening. Gawler River: Minor flooding is likely along the Gawler River. The Gawler River at Heaslip Road is currently at 2.67 metres and rising. The Gawler River at Heaslip Road is likely to reach the minor flood level (5.80 m) early Friday morning. The Gawler River at Virginia is likely to reach 3.00 metres early Friday morning. Flood Safety Advice: People are advised to keep away from fast flowing water. For emergency assistance please call the SES on 132 500. Only for life-threatening emergencies call 000. Next Issue: The next warning will be issued by 01:30 am CST on Friday 30 September 2016. Latest River Heights: Location Height of River (m) Tendency Date/Time of Observation North Para River at Nuriootpa 2.42 Steady 09:01 PM THU 29/09/16 North Para River at Turretfield Dam 63.69 Rising 09:03 PM THU 29/09/16 South Para River at Warren Reservoir 13.96 Steady 09:00 PM THU 29/09/16 South Para River at South Para Reservoir 28.14 Steady 09:00 PM THU 29/09/16 Galwer River at Gawler West 3.29 Rising 09:02 PM THU 29/09/16 Galwer River at Heaslip Road 2.67 Steady 09:02 PM THU 29/09/16 Galwer River at Virginia 2.01 Steady 09:00 PM THU 29/09/16 This advice is also available by dialling 1300 659 215 . Warning, rainfall and river information are available at www.bom.gov.au/sa/flood. The latest weather forecast is available at www.bom.gov.au/sa/forecasts. ======================================= SA weather: Virginia, Port Wakefield under threat as rivers burst banks Updated 26 minutes ago Gawler River at Gawler West in flood. Photo: The Gawler River at Gawler West in flood this morning. (Supplied: Laura Wise) Related Story: Gawler River flooding, emergency warning remains Map: Gawler 5118 The South Australian towns of Virginia and Port Wakefield are under threat from floodwaters as the Gawler and Wakefield rivers burst their banks, with warnings more rain is on the way. About 60,000 sandbags will be flown into the Edinburgh RAAF base this afternoon to be used in the sandbagging effort. CFS crews sandbagging at Port Wakefield. Photo: CFS crews sandbagging at Port Wakefield. (ABC News) The levee at Virginia, on the rural outskirts of Adelaide's north, failed this morning and an emergency warning for people in the area spreading from Gawler to Buckland Park was issued. "It's a very low-lying floodplain and there is a significant amount of water coming down the Gawler River and so there is every likelihood that there will be properties inundated," SES spokesman Chris Beattie told 891 ABC Adelaide. About 20 structures at Bowmans, in the state's Mid North, were flooded by the Wakefield River. There are also reports of flooding at Balaklava. + - ©Mapbox ©OpenStreetMap Improve this map Map: Towns affected as SA rivers burst their banks Premier Jay Weatherill said the major flood threat was around Virginia, with the Wakefield River yet to peak. "There has been a Herculean effort to protect Port Wakefield," Mr Weatherill said. "A temporary levy of sandbags has been constructed and up until this point has been effective in protecting the town." Overnight, SES, residents and the Army sandbagged the Port Wakefield township — home to about 500 people. The water was being directed away from the town on to the golf course. Sandbagging effort as people trapped Owner of the Port Wakefield Hotel Lee Barbero said floodwaters were blocking some people from getting out of the town. "[Overnight] it was very quiet and eerie actually except for where they are all doing their bits sandbagging," she said. "There's a hell of a lot of people out there trying to do whatever they can. "There are people who are actually trapped in their houses and that at the moment ... and we can't get to them and they can't get out." SES spokesman Chris Beattie said sandbags would be trucked from the RAAF base to pickup points like councils and CFS stations ahead of the rain which is expected from Sunday. He said crews remained on high alert around Port Pirie, on the east coast of the Spencer Gulf, watching the Broughton River. Sandbags on the back of a truck at Port Wakefield. Photo: Sandbags on the back of a truck at Port Wakefield in preparation for floodwaters. (ABC News: Angelique Donnellan) Significant rain on the way Senior forecaster John Nairn said more rain was expected across South Australia from Sunday afternoon. "So as we move into Sunday we expect to see a front to arrive in the mid afternoon and it will produce some falls in a range of 10 to 20 millimetres on higher ground," Mr Nairn said. He said "more significant rain" of up to 60 millimetres in the Mount Lofty Ranges, and about 20 to 30 millimetres north of the Gawler River catchment were expected on Monday. Between Sunday and Tuesday the Adelaide Hills could receive up to 100 millimetres on already saturated ground, he said. Gawler avoids serious damage Gawler, north of Adelaide, avoided serious property damage overnight after SES crews worked with volunteers and Australian Defence Force personnel to protect residents, as the Gawler River peaked about 10:00pm. The Bureau of Meteorology (BOM) said rainfall of more than 60 to 100 millimetres had been recorded across the Gawler catchment since Wednesday. Media player: "Space" to play, "M" to mute, "left" and "right" to seek. Other videos A 'tornado' filmed in South Australia Emergency crews continue to grapple with yesterday's state-wide power outage Video: Flooding in the Barossa Valley (ABC News) SES and CFS crews plan response to rising floodwaters around Port Wakefield. Photo: SES and CFS crews plan their response to rising floodwaters around Port Wakefield. (ABC News: Nathan Stitt) Flooding had also occurred further north-east of Gawler in the Barossa Valley. Parts of the Barossa Valley were inundated with floodwaters after the North Para River broke its banks on Thursday night, but water levels upstream in the North Para have since stabilised. The rising floodwaters forced the late-night evacuation of campers at the caravan park in Tanunda. Meanwhile floodwaters have forced the Ghan to transfer Adelaide-bound passengers onto buses for the rest of the journey. A spokesperson for Great Southern Rail said flooding between Two Wells and Mallala meant the Ghan had to stop at Port Augusta. Media player: "Space" to play, "M" to mute, "left" and "right" to seek. Other videos A 'tornado' filmed in South Australia Emergency crews continue to grapple with yesterday's state-wide power outage Video: Water rushes down Adelaide's River Torrens near the CBD (ABC News) More on this story: •Analysis: Rushing to renewables risks sector's reputation •SA blackout: Why and how? •Woman on operating table during blackout recounts her ordeal •Renewables not to blame for blackout, experts say