Heavy Rains in South Australia Lead To Flooding and Blackouts

On Thursday night, Adelaide, the capital city of South Australia (SA), and its s surrounds, were battered by a heavy thunderstorm; Heavy rains have caused flooding and blackouts prompting hundreds of calls for aid, official reports inform that, as of Friday morning, the area has received 41.6 millimeters of rain.

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On Friday morning, according to the State Emergency Service (SES) reports, more than 2,800 households and businesses were without power, 240 calls for assistance were responded, including swift water rescues after people became trapped by rapidly rising floodwaters.

The SES has stated that roads have been closed in some areas and motorists were warned not to drive through floodwaters.

"We're just asking commuters to plan their travel, it's never safe to drive into floodwaters, so please make sure you find an alternative route if you are faced with that," Dave O'Shannessy from the SES said in an official statement.

More than 100 SES volunteers have been called upon for flooding assistance.

On Friday, after the main system driving the heavy rain passed into Victoria state, weather conditions were forecast to ease significantly; however, rains are expected to persist.

"Although the forecast sees the showers clearing, we do anticipate there still will be some flooded roads and debris on the roads," O'Shannessy said.

"Thankfully, the worst of it has passed," Bureau of Meteorology senior forecaster Mark Anolak said.