Ministerial Statement

Emergency Warning

The Hon. J.W. WEATHERILL (Cheltenham—Premier) (15:43): I seek leave to make a ministerial statement.

Leave granted.

The Hon. J.W. WEATHERILL: At the later point of question time, I was contacted by the South Australian police commissioner, and he informed me that he and the head of the State Emergency Service are about to conduct a media conference, which is presently underway. He has asked me to read the following statement to the house:

The South Australia Police…and State Emergency Service…joined forces this afternoon in issuing a warning to the community to be prepared for further destructive weather that may reach Adelaide this afternoon.

Commissioner of Police Grant Stevens and SES Chief Officer Chris Beattie spoke at a press conference this afternoon as forecast strong winds reached Kangaroo Island.

'We are asking the community to be aware that we may see conditions this afternoon and evening potentially as bad, if not worse than yesterday,' Commissioner Stevens said.

'I am recommending to people that if they can leave work early, they do so to avoid potential congestion on the metropolitan road network.'

Mr Beattie reiterated that people should take steps to secure both their family and property ahead of potentially 125kph winds.

'The police and SES are working together to ensure public safety, but we ask the community to be proactive in the circumstances,' he said.

If you need the State Emergency Service to assist with flood or storm damage then call 132 500—only call Triple Zero (000) for life threatening emergencies.

Anyone who is driving is urged to drive to the conditions, never drive or ride through floodwaters and obey the directions of emergency services personnel.

The public are also reminded to stay away from fallen power lines, move vehicles under cover or away from trees and secure loose items.

Updates regarding local road closures can be found here: http://www.traffic.sa.gov.au