With many parts of outback SA already sodden thanks to major flooding events across the state in the past fortnight, some areas are continuing to be inundated as rain keeps on falling.
In the 24 hours prior to 1pm today (Tuesday), 106 millimetres of rain has fallen on Ernabella in the Far North, while Tieyon received 87mm, and Todmorden received 73mm, taking its seven-day total to 145mm. Oodnadatta has received 53mm in the past 24 hours, and a total of 65mm across the preceding week.
An intense storm at Port Augusta at about 8pm on Monday night dumped 50mm of rain on the town in 50 minutes, with a total of 59mm received through Monday night.
A severe weather warning is remaining in place for the rest of today, with further falls in the 50-80mm possible in the Far North, according to BOM meteorologist Jonathan Fischer.
"There's a lot of moisture right across the north of SA, it started with ex-tropical Cyclone Tiffany, since then we've seen another tropical low form up near the Broome area in WA, which has resulted in rain and storms and moisture in our state," he said.
He said the system would leave SA out of the far north east of the state early on Wednesday.
"In the coming days we'll change back to a traditional summer weather, as the rain clears, but it will take some time for the water to flow down through the inland water courses, infiltrate and evaporate, so generalised flood warnings will stay in place as the water dissipates," Mr Fischer said.
The event as a whole is something we probably only see once every two or three decades.
- JONATHAN FISCHER
"This type of weather is very significant for our state - the event as a whole is something we probably only see once every two or three decades.
"Once this rain clears, we'll be able to get some good satellite imagery to show how much water is out there."
SA State Emergency Services chief executive officer Chris Beattie said the Stuart Highway remains closed at Glendambo, with water 400mm deep over the pavement.
"We expect it to be at least 12 days until water has subsided and restoration works can commence," he said.
"Options are being explored to accelerate this timeframe by draining or pumping the water, and we're working closely with a number of partners on an alternative route to road freight into north of the state to bypass this part of the highway where we have inundation.
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"It's unclear as to whether it will be feasible, but we have people looking at it."
Mr Beattie said rail damage to the east of Tarcoola was being restored by the Australian Rail Track Corporation, with 18 areas having suffered significant damage. Repair works estimated to be complete by February 17, with the Tuesday night rains not having impacted repair operations.
With the flooding crisis having been declared a Major Emergency on Friday night, the Australian Defence Force has been employed to assist with delivering goods to towns in the far north.
The ADF have delivered 20 tonnes of emergency supplies to Coober Pedy across the past few days, with the last of the flights made today (Tuesday).
"It's been a tremendous effort from right across the emergency services, including the police, ADF, SES, CFS and MFS, all have helped respond to community needs during these rain events," Mr Beattie said.
For SES assistance phone 132 500.
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Claire Harris
Journalist at Stock Journal. Hailing from South East Queensland, Claire moved to SA at the start of 2019. She is passionate about agriculture, cooking, sport, and line dancing, and loves a good long road trip.
Journalist at Stock Journal. Hailing from South East Queensland, Claire moved to SA at the start of 2019. She is passionate about agriculture, cooking, sport, and line dancing, and loves a good long road trip.
