, with strong winds and a second cold front forecast to worsen conditions midweek.More than 370 households in the Riverland region, including towns such as Waikerie, Woolpunda, and Taylorville, remained without electricity as of Wednesday morning(July 9). A further 319 households were affected in the Streaky Bay area. SA Power Networks said crews are still assessing the damage and working to restore service.

The Bureau of Meteorology (BOM) has issued severe weather warnings for parts of South Australia and New South Wales (NSW), with wind gusts reaching up to 100 km/h in some areas. Warnings cover Ceduna, Victor Harbor, Burra, Peterborough, and the Flinders Ranges.

“Winds throughout are expected to ease from the west during the evening,” BOM said.

South-westerly winds are also forecast to intensify in NSW on Thursday, affecting regions including the Illawarra, South Coast, Southern Tablelands, ACT, and Snowy Mountains. Gusts may exceed 100 km/h, with the risk of damage to power lines, trees, and property.

Gusts of 102 km/h were recorded at Cape Willoughby on Tuesday, while the State Emergency Service (SES) responded to 55 wind-related incidents across Adelaide, Yorke Peninsula, and the Fleurieu Peninsula. These included downed trees and structural damage.In one incident near Williamstown, a large gum tree fell onto a moving ute, trapping the driver and a dog inside. Emergency crews and nearby residents used a grader and chainsaws to free the vehicle. The driver was hospitalized in serious condition. The dog was unharmed.SA Power Networks said vegetation coming into contact with lines caused widespread damage. By late Tuesday, outages had reduced from over 5,000 customers to around 1,000.

Victoria has also been impacted, with damaging winds and blizzard conditions reported in Ballarat and the Grampians. The SES advised residents to secure loose items, move vehicles under shelter, and remain indoors during peak winds. Rainfall is expected to intensify in Adelaide on Wednesday, with up to 25mm forecast. Conditions are expected to ease by Friday morning.

Authorities are urging residents to stay alert and avoid unnecessary travel as cleanup and recovery operations continue.