Severe weather warning for SW
Winds up to 125km/h are forecast after a 100km/hr wind gust was recorded at Mandurah, north of Bunbury, at 1.53am this morning.
State Emergency Service volunteers responded to 15 calls for help overnight over minor damage around Secret Harbour.
Cape Naturaliste recorded a 72km/h wind gust overnight, Cape Leeuwin and Rottnest Island were hit by 70km/h gusts and Ocean Reef recorded a 56km/h gust.
About 28mm of rain has fallen on Bickley since 9am yesterday, while Witchcliffe recorded 25mm, Collie East 23mm and Jandakot 18mm.
A severe weather warning has been issued for people in the Lower West, South West and South Coastal forecast districts.
The weather bureau issued a warning at 5.07am, warning that destructive winds were on the way for parts of WA south-west of a line from Mandurah to Albany.
This includes people in, near or between the following towns: Mandurah, Bunbury, Busselton, Margaret River, Bridgetown and Albany.
A strong cold front will move across south-western parts of the state early this morning, with a low pressure system passing south of the state to lie south of Albany by this evening.
In isolated areas showers and thunderstorms may produce dangerous gusts in excess of 125km/h which could cause significant damage or destruction to homes and property.
The bureau said the greatest risk of dangerous gusts would occur between midnight and 5am this morning and from from mid to late morning as the low moved to lie south of Albany by Wednesday evening.
Strong and squally winds are expected to continue through to this evening.
A 100km/hr wind gust was recorded at Mandurah at 1:53am this morning.
This is typical weather for this time of year but winds may cause damage to
property and make road conditions hazardous.
What to do
The Department of Fire and Emergency Services advises that people should:
• If outside find safe shelter away from trees, power lines, storm water drains
and streams.
• Close your curtains and blinds, and stay inside away from windows.
• Unplug electrical appliances and do not use land line telephones if there is
lightning.
• If boating, swimming or surfing leave the water.
• Be alert and watch for hazards on the road such as fallen power lines and loose
debris.
If your home or property has significant damage, like a badly damaged roof or flooding, call the SES on 132 500.
This warning is also available through TV and Radio broadcasts, the Bureau’s website at www.bom.gov.au or call 1300 659 213.
