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

Alert Details

The Australian Government Bureau of Meteorology (BOM) has issued a Severe Weather Warning (IDS21038) for damaging winds. This high-priority alert is currently in effect for the Adelaide Metropolitan and Mount Lofty Ranges forecast districts in South Australia.

Affected Areas

The warning covers specific geographic regions within South Australia, including:

• The western slopes of the Mount Lofty Ranges
• The foothills
• The eastern and southern suburbs of Adelaide

What You Should Do

The State Emergency Service (SES) advises residents in the warning area to take immediate safety precautions:

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

Expected Conditions

An increased pressure gradient, caused by a high pressure ridge to the south and a trough in the north, is generating hazardous conditions. Residents should expect:

• East to southeasterly damaging winds averaging 55 to 65 km/h.
• Peak wind gusts reaching approximately 90 km/h.
• Enhanced wind speeds in the lee of the Mount Lofty Ranges.

Timeline

Damaging winds are expected to redevelop about the Adelaide Hills on the evening of Wednesday, February 25, 2026. These conditions will continue into the early hours of Thursday morning. Winds are forecast to ease below the warning threshold early Thursday morning. The Bureau will issue the next update by 11:00 pm ACDT Wednesday.