Severe Storm Hits Port Pirie with Wind Gusts Up to 119 km/h
A powerful storm struck Port Pirie late Saturday, producing wind gusts of up to 119 kilometres per hour. The intense weather caused significant damage to homes, trees, and electrical infrastructure across the town.
Thousands of residents experienced power outages as the storm toppled around 50 power lines and over a dozen poles. SA Power Networks reported nearly 5,000 households were without electricity at the peak of the event, as crews rushed to restore services.
Emergency Response and Damage Assessment
The South Australian State Emergency Services (SES) received 170 calls for assistance within 12 hours after the storm hit. Acting Chief Officer Kirsty Phelps described the event as "the most significant storm event we’ve had in the Port Pirie region on record." Over 165 SES volunteers were deployed to handle more than 350 tasks involving fallen trees, damaged roofs, and flooded homes.
Premier Peter Malinauskas called the storm “sudden” and “not anticipated by the Bureau of Meteorology,” emphasizing the unpredictable nature of the severe cell. He confirmed at least two houses suffered substantial structural damage, while most destruction stemmed from downed trees.
Personal Accounts Highlight Impact
Port Pirie resident Angela Lewis narrowly escaped serious injury when her ceiling collapsed amid heavy water intrusion. She described water pouring in around light fittings and flooding her back rooms within minutes. Her shed and outdoor furniture were also destroyed.
Another resident, Alivia Dunbar, experienced a ceiling collapse that released icy water into multiple rooms. She called the storm "probably the worst we’ve ever seen here," noting the intensity and sudden onset caught many off guard.
Ongoing Clean-Up and Safety Concerns
Port Pirie’s Mayor Leon Stephens urged residents to stay home and prioritize safety while emergency crews work. He highlighted the importance of clearing roads and advised against removing trees on council land, ensuring authorities can manage removal effectively.
The council scheduled an emergency management meeting to coordinate recovery efforts. Mayor Stephens also encouraged residents to bring green waste to designated stations once conditions improve.
Meteorological Insights
The Bureau of Meteorology issued severe thunderstorm warnings shortly before the storm’s arrival. Spokesperson Jenny Horvat reported heavy rain and rapid wind gusts from 8:09pm, with 15 millimetres of rain in 20 minutes. She explained that while severe thunderstorm risks can be forecast days ahead, rapid shifts in storm location and intensity limit precise long-term predictions.
The storm is consistent with spring weather patterns, involving dynamic troughs and lows moving across South Australia. Despite the severe local impact, other parts of the state, including Adelaide, saw the heaviest rainfall during the same night, recording up to 40 millimetres.
Emergency services and utility crews continue working to restore power and clear storm debris throughout the Port Pirie area. Residents are advised to exercise caution and follow local authority guidance as recovery progresses.
Read more at: www.abc.net.au
