Flooding was reported from the Brookhampton area and the Preston River burst its banks, flooding the crossing bridge near Dale Street and the foundations of the Suspension Bridge.

Local Marilyn Dreaver reported a flood surge at her Brookhampton farm on Monday morning, with the creek measuring at least 15 to 20 feet (about 4.5 to 6 metres) deep bursting its banks. It was threatening the bridge that provides the main access to Mrs Dreaver’s farm and stock, and flooded three properties.

“If the bridge goes under we’ve got no access to our farm and we can’t get to our animals,” Mrs Dreaver said.

The only alternative access is through a neighbour’s property, which is also underwater.

“We haven’t seen this much water since we’ve been here.

“It just came up so quickly. It started yesterday, when the creek was three-quarters full, but the storm at 2am this morning pushed it over and there’s a lot of water coming down Thomson’s Brook,” Mrs Dreaver said yesterday.

Her new plantings could be in trouble, she remarked. “This much water is just not good for the root stock,” she said.

Thomson’s Brook was flooded all the way down Sandhills Road, with water approaching the road itself in places.

The usually placid Preston River also burst its banks. The dam that acts as a footbridge in summer resembled a white water course and water surrounded the foundations and steps of the Suspension Bridge.

Donnybrook and surrounding areas were saturated 36.4mm of rain on Monday morning, 24.8mm on Sunday and 32.8mm on Saturday.

Rain was heavy over the four days, particularly across the South West. Bridgetown had 32mm in the 24 hours from 9am yesterday — totalling 65mm for the last two days — and 51mm fell on Collie East.

Thunderstorms and heavy showers were forecast for yesterday, particularly over the lower west, South West and south coastal districts.

The State Emergency Service warned people to secure loose objects, move vehicles under cover and stay inside away from windows.

People caught outdoors should find shelter away from trees, powerlines, storm-water drains and streams.