Severe Weather Warning: Damaging Winds Forecast for Adelaide and Mount Lofty Ranges

Alert Details

The Bureau of Meteorology (BOM) has issued a Severe Weather Warning for Damaging Winds (ID: IDS21038). This alert is currently in effect for the Adelaide Metropolitan and Mount Lofty Ranges forecast districts in South Australia.

Affected Areas

The warning specifically covers the western slopes of the Mount Lofty Ranges, the foothills, and the eastern and southern suburbs of Adelaide. These areas are expected to experience enhanced east to southeasterly Gully Winds.

What You Should Do

The State Emergency Service (SES) advises residents in the affected areas to take the following precautions:

• Move vehicles under cover or away from trees to prevent damage from falling debris.
• Secure or put away loose items around your property that could become airborne.
• Stay indoors and away from windows while weather conditions remain severe.

Expected Conditions

A high pressure ridge to the south and a trough in the north are increasing the pressure gradient over the Adelaide Hills. This situation is expected to produce east to southeasterly winds with damaging gusts in excess of 90 km/h, particularly in the lee of the Mount Lofty Ranges.

Timeline

The damaging wind gusts are possible starting Tuesday evening, February 24, 2026, and are expected to continue into early Wednesday morning. While winds are forecast to ease after sunrise on Wednesday, they may increase again on Wednesday evening and persist into Thursday morning. The next update from the Bureau of Meteorology is scheduled for 5:00 pm ACDT Tuesday.