Latest estimates indicate about 163,000 South Australian electricity customers have been affected by outages since a storm front reached the State at 10 am yesterday (Saturday 12 November).

At 4pm today, less than half (about 65,000 customers) were still without power as crews worked across the State to rebuild the network and make downed lines safe for the community.

On Saturday, South Australia experienced more than 423,000 lightning strikes between midnight and 6pm, wind gusts were recorded at more than 100 kmh amid reports of a mini cyclone.

Falling trees, lightning strikes and high winds resulted in widespread outage reports, extensive damage to the electricity distribution network and nearly 500 reports of wires down. Wires down are a priority focus to ensure the safety of the community and have taken significant resource.

“This is the largest outage event we have had since the State-wide blackout in 2016,” said Paul Roberts, Head of Corporate Affairs.

“SA Power Networks has mobilised all possible resources and has called in interstate field resources to assist. Rebuilding and repairing the network and restoring power will continue over the week.

“We expect to have the vast bulk of customers back with supply by the end of Tuesday, but the reality is some may be off for longer,” Mr Roberts said.

“As crews get to site and determine when we can reconnect their electricity supply, we will provide them with an SMS update.”

Mr Roberts said SA Power Networks understood long delays in restoring power were frustrating for customers.

“We are doing everything we can to respond and thank the many customers who have reached out on social media to thank crews for their efforts.”

Mr Roberts said customers without power this morning should plan for an extended power outage. “We will communicate via our SMS system and customers can also check our website at www.sapowernetworks.com.au.