WorldSYDNEY, AFP -The entire state of South Australia was without power Wednesday after being pummelled by a “unprecedented” storm, with the blackout causing chaos as authorities warned of more wild weather. Trees were torn down, roofs ripped out, thousands of homes and business were without power and cars were gridlocked on flooded roads as traffic lights stopped working in what South Australia's Premier Jay Weatherill said was an “unprecedented weather event”. All of these events together have combined to bring our (power) system down.” Mobile phone coverage was also disrupted and the loss of power at pumping stations was affecting water and sewerage systems, the Australian Broadcasting Corporation reported. He added that the grid had shut down to protect itself after a “dramatic drop in frequency” in the power network. SA Power Networks, which runs the state's electricity distribution network, tweeted that South Australians should “brace for extended outages and ensure you conserve mobile device battery”.

Source: Sunday Times September 28, 2016 13:30 UTC