Winds of up to 55 knots (102 km per hour) were recorded in Port Augusta, according to duty forecaster David House from Bureau of Meteorology.

Mr House said the fast moving winds affected areas across the southern part of the state.

The weather front moved through Port Augusta, before it moved north to areas near Renmark and Maree.

While some of the state experienced large downpours with the front, Port Augusta only received a mere 0.2mm.

The highest wind gusts in the southern region were reported at Whyalla that experienced winds gusts of up to 62 knots (115km per hour).

The Port Augusta State Emergency Service responded to dozens of calls of fallen trees and storm damage.

Homes and business in the central business precinct were also without power for up to an hour.

The Champagne Gulf Cruises were also victim to the gale force winds.

Rapid winds broke the boats anchor and sent it down the Gulf; hitting through underneath Port Augusta highway bridge and, onto crashing into the old bridge.

A spokesperson from the company said the incident caused considerable damage to the boat, including smashed windows and damage to the top half of the boat particularly the top half of the boat as a result of being pushed through underneath the bridge.

The total cost of the damage was unknown before publication.

Yesterday’s wild winds add to a spate bad weather experienced over the weekend.

On Friday a large sudden downpour caused flash flooding in some parts of Port Augusta, including on the corner of Tassie and Thompson streets.