Storm leaves SA with damage bill in the hundreds of thousands

A storm that swept across South Australia yesterday, bringing with it fierce winds of up to 100km/h, has left the state with a damage bill that may rise past the million dollar mark.

With the clean-up now underway, residents and business owners in Adelaide’s west – some most devastated by the storm – have begun to take stock of the damage.

The busy Parade at Norwood saw a large tree felled by strong winds, smashing into a neighbouring car and several shop fronts, narrowly missing workers and customers waiting inside.

The storm destroyed the Henley Beach jetty and swept away piles of sand from the Port Noarlunga walkway entrance.

Savage winds ripped the roof of a Strathalbyn home, where one occupant was standing inside.

At Monatro a shed was sent flying, and one of the three gliders stored inside completely destroyed.

A tree also fell into a house at Encounter Bay, while trains were brought to a halt on the Belair line, leaving commuters stranded.

North of Adelaide, the winds whipped up dust storms, creating a red skyline.

Along the coastline, dangerously high tides were visible, made all the more volatile by wild winds.

On the Yorke Peninsula the waves were just as fierce, with holiday shacks at Hardwick Bay left flooded.

At Port Lincoln, sandbags were being used to protect the Maritime museum, amid fears irreplaceable relics would once again be afloat.

Tides continue to remain high at the Yorke Peninsula.