UPDATE 2.00PM: The Bureau of Meteorology has advised that a severe weather warning covering an area home to the majority of WA's population has been issued for a range of weather that will impact places differently.
Damaging northerly wind gusts up to 100 kilometres per hour are possible in towns south of Mandurah down to Walpole, including Bunbury, Busselton, Dunsborough, Margaret River, Manjimup, Augusta and Windy Harbour during tonight (Wednesday night) and Thursday morning.
Winds of this nature can cause damage to homes and property, particularly as the direction of the winds is not usual.
Higher than normal tides are expected and may cause flooding of low-lying coastal areas along the west coast, particularly the Geographe Bay area.
Damaging surf conditions are also likely to cause significant beach erosion across the west coast area included in the warning.
If you live in South West and parts of Lower West districts you need to get ready now for the severe weather expected to hit tonight, June 9, 2021.
Perth is included in the severe weather warning area, with the most likely time for gusty winds from midnight tonight to 7am Thursday morning.
WEATHER DETAILS:
Windy, showery and rainy conditions have already been experienced. Early this morning Gooseberry Hill in the Perth Hills recorded an 83 kilometre per hour gust. Other gusts included 89km/hr at North Island in the Abrolhos islands, 78km/hr at Geraldton Airport, 85km/hr at Cape Naturaliste and 76km/hr at Rottnest Island.
This weather is being caused by an approaching low-pressure system that has caused winds to turn northerly, intensifying in strength particularly between Geraldton and Albany, including Perth.
Further north, a trough is causing rain in the west Pilbara and adjacent Gascoyne that has already produced moderate falls. Heavy falls are also possible in isolated areas, that may cause localised flooding.
In the 24 hours to 9am Wednesday morning the most rain fell inland of Carnarvon including 45.8mm in Minilya Bridge and 43.6mm in Hill Springs. Carnarvon airport recorded 19.6mm and Learmonth airport near Exmouth recorded 14.6mm.
Rain in the western Pilbara and Gascoyne is easing in the next 24 hours, but Exmouth could still get some heavy falls.
Forecasts for rain include 15-30mm and isolated falls up to 60mm for the remainder of Wednesday in coastal areas between Coral Bay and Mardie, and adjacent inland areas to Mount Augustus. On Thursday a further 10-20mm with isolated falls up to 30mm is expected between Exmouth and Karratha.
WHAT TO DO:
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
Unplug electrical appliances and avoid using landline telephone if there is lightning.
If you are away from home contact family or friends to prepare your property.
ROAD CLOSURES AND CONDITIONS:
Roads have not been closed.
Take extra care on the roads and do not drive into water of unknown depth and current.
Road information may also be available from Main Roads WA by calling 138 138 or visiting travelmap.mainroads.wa.gov.au or by contacting your Local Government Authority.
WHAT EMERGENCY SERVICES ARE DOING:
DFES is monitoring the situation.
Emergency services have answered more than 16 calls for help since 5am.
SES Volunteers respond on a priority basis and people are asked to remain patient.
IF YOU NEED ASSISTANCE:
If it is safe to do so, please do what you can to help yourself before calling the SES for assistance.
If your home has been badly damaged by a storm, call the SES 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 or cars. Please contact your insurance company to organise permanent repairs.
KEEP UP TO DATE:
Visit emergency.wa.gov.au, call 13 DFES (13 3337), follow DFES on Twitter: twitter.com/dfes_wa, Facebook: facebook.com/dfeswa, listen to ABC Local Radio, 6PR, or news bulletins.
During a power outage, your home phone, computer or other electronic devices connected to the NBN will not work. Include a battery powered radio in your emergency kit.
Updates will be provided when the situation changes.
