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The New Daily
The New Daily
National
Rachael Ward

Torrential raid sends Adelaide SES workers on series of rescue missions

The deluge stranded drivers in the cars and residents in their homes. Photo: SA SES

Seven swift water rescues marked a night of drama across Adelaide and surrounding hills as residents and motorists were battered by heavy rain and localised flooding.

Many roads were closed and more than 2000 properties were blacked out at the height of the deluge from Thursday night until Friday morning.

The State Emergency Service responded to more than 250 calls for assistance with some properties inundated and roads closed as rivers and creeks surged.

A warning was issued for a dam at Lenswood which had spilled over, causing concern for nearby properties.

A number of motorists were caught out trying to drive through rising water.

SES chief of staff Derren Halleday said in such conditions motorists needed to heed the dangers of trying their luck.

“On Thursday evening emergency service crews responded to seven swift water rescues, with some jobs including more than one vehicle,” he said.

“This is an incredibly high number in such a short time.”

The Bureau of Meteorology said rainfall totals ranged from about 50 millimetres to close to 100 mm in some locations.

But by Friday afternoon conditions had cleared and flooding and river levels had eased.

The bureau forecast more rain over the weekend with Adelaide tipped to have up to 5mm on Saturday and another 10mm on Sunday.

Mr Halleday urged motorists to continue to take care.

“Floodwaters disguise the road, including potholes, submerged obstacles such as large branches or parts of the road which have been washed away,” he said.

“At night, when vision is poor due to rain, water across a road can be difficult to recognise.”

-AAP

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