DAMAGING winds are expected to develop about the South West Capes from around midday on Friday and extend to remaining parts of the area by late Friday afternoon and ease in the evening.
The risk of dangerous gusts will ease from around midnight, however another cold front is expected to pass through the South West on Saturday evening.
The Department of Fire and Emergency Services have have warned people to get ready now.
This includes people in, near or between Bunbury, Busselton, Margaret River, Bridgetown and Albany. This does not include Mandurah or Katanning.
Damaging winds are most likely with the passage of the cold front, which is expected to reach the South West Capes around 6pm and extend through the warning area on Friday evening.
This weather is not unusual for this time of year, but could damage homes and make travel dangerous.
DFES has these tips to help you and your family get ready now:
Store or weigh down loose objects around your home like outdoor furniture that could be picked up and thrown by strong winds, causing damage or injury.
Ensure your emergency kit is complete including a battery operated radio, torch, spare batteries and first aid kit.
Ensure pets and animals are in a safe area.
Move vehicles under cover.
Boat owners should securely moor their boats.
Campers should find safe shelter away from trees, powerlines, storm water drains and streams.
If you are away from home contact family or friends to prepare your property.
Bad weather details:
As at 8:42 am on July 29 the Bureau of Meteorology advises a pre-frontal trough and cold front are approaching the South West of WA.
The pre-frontal trough will reach the southwest corner of the state around midday on Friday, followed by a cold front on Friday evening.
A vigorous westerly flow may cause damaging winds to 100 kilometres an hour that could result in damage to homes and property.
In isolated areas west of a line from Bunbury to Windy Harbour, dangerous gusts in excess of 125 kilometres an hour could cause damage or destruction to homes or destruction or property.
Higher than normal tides will affect coastal areas from late Saturday and may cause flooding of low lying coastal areas.
If you need assistance:
If your home has been badly damaged by a storm, call the State Emergency Services on 132 500.
In a life threatening situation call 000.
After a storm SES volunteers make temporary repairs to homes that have been badly damaged, such as roofs that have been ripped off or large fallen trees on homes and cars.
Please contact your insurance company to organise permanent repairs.
Keep up to date:
Visit dfes.wa.gov.au, call 13 DFES (13 3337), follow DFES on Twitter @dfes_wa or listen to news bulletins.
For the latest weather warnings visit bom.gov.au/wa/warnings or call 1300 659 213.
The next update will be provided when the situation changes.
