Australia Weather News

Wild weather has eased across South Australia but thousands of homes remain without power after wind gusts brought down trees and power lines, forcing the closure of major roads.

The Bureau of Meteorology reported wind gusts of up to 80 kilometres per hour in the metropolitan area and more than 100kph at Mount Crawford on the Fleurieu Peninsula.

The State Emergency Service (SES) responded to more than 300 callouts after storms brought rain, but also sparked fires and damaged property.

"It's a mixture of trees dropping limbs on vehicles, on roads, on pergolas, on roofs, as well as a few wind-related tasks with lifting roof sheeting or removing guttering or ridge-capping, that type of stuff," SES duty officer Mike Baker said.

Mr Baker said jobs were widespread across metropolitan Adelaide, with Port Pirie and the Riverland also bearing the brunt.

More than 35,000 homes were without power at one point this morning — mostly in the inner-northern suburbs — causing delays as traffic lights blacked out.

Police closed part of Brighton Road this afternoon after a falling tree hit a Stobie pole, pulling power lines over the road.

The Sturt Highway was also closed between Waikerie and Blanchetown after lightning started a fire at Waikerie Station in the Riverland.

The Country Fire Service earlier said several crews were responding to the out-of-control scrub fire.

A severe weather warning was cancelled about 3:00pm, but a severe thunderstorm warning is still current for eastern districts.

The weather also brought rain to some of the driest parts of the state, with Eyre Peninsula recording more than 47 millimetres overnight.

Thousands of homes still without power

Almost 5,000 remain without power as of 6:30pm, and SA Power Networks spokesman Paul Roberts said substation issues were to blame for blackouts in suburbs such as Walkley Heights and Northfield.

But he said some customers could be waiting until the early hours of Tuesday to have electricity switched back on.

"We're working to get people back as soon as we can," he said.

"Obviously, with these sorts of conditions a lot of wires are down, we've had a lot of reports of wires down, I'd just really urge the public to stay clear of any wires down and keep safe.

"Report them to us and we will deal with them as a priority."

A fallen tree closed the Outer Harbor train line for about half an hour from 8:00am at Cheltenham station, while the Belair line was also closed temporarily at Westbourne Park.

Adelaide woman Willy Lester had to stop trimming her hedge after the power went out.

"I've got to wait until the power's on so I can put it back on, and I want to trim the ivy," she said.

"But other than that, you can't have a cup of tea or coffee, so you just postpone it to a bit later."

Flights are arriving and departing on time from Adelaide Airport.

An SA Health spokesperson said there were no health warnings to report associated with the severe weather.