LIMESTONE Coast residents are urged to take care today as wild weather is expected to sweep the region.
Despite a frosty start over the past week, intense winds are forecast to hit the region later today as a cold front passes through the state.
The State Emergency Service (SES) has urged residents to prepare for the wild weather, which could trigger dust storms across the state.
The forecast has prompted warnings to motorists to take extra care on the roads and drive to the conditions as well as use headlights when visibility becomes difficult.
Residents are also urged to tie down loose items within yards such as trampolines and outdoor furniture to avoid damage.
Vehicles should be kept undercover and away from trees while pets should be sheltered where possible.
Mount Gambier SES district officer Brad Frew said volunteers were preparing for a “typical spring storm.”
“We are preparing for winds between 40-60kph with wind gusts of up to 90kph and with that we are likely to see fine dust and raised dust in the air,” Mr Frew said.
“Because of this we are obviously urging residents to drive to the conditions as we are expecting a small pocket of rain as well.
“In terms of residents preparation for the weather we just ask that people stay inside and seek shelter during the high winds and ensure their cars are parked under shelter.”
A Bureau of Meteorology spokesperson said despite the wild weather warnings, Limestone Coast residents would likely only see a dust haze when near dry paddocks.
“The warnings are aimed more at the north of the state but the Limestone Coast will still see a dust haze as dry patches and paddocks could stir,” the spokesperson said.
“It will be a bit more hazy rather than an intense storm unless something significant comes in from the north.
“If there are any dry paddocks around the area that is what is most likely to cause the haze.”
Temperatures are forecast to drop again tomorrow as a wet weekend looks likely, with between 10 to 20mm of rainfall predicted tomorrow.
Hail storms could also follow, with the weather remaining cool before a change kicks in early next week.
