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Wild storm brings havoc to Perth

The full extent of a violent storm to hit Gingin has emerged, with properties and crops damaged.

The roof of one home was ripped off, a large shed destroyed and crops damaged as the tornado-like storm tore through the region.

Pictures reveal the extent of the damage in some areas.

Two houses were destroyed and three people taken to hospital after thunderstorms caused havoc and sparked several fires north of Perth yesterday.


this caravan was flipped upside down by the wild weather in gingin. picture: david cooper/the west australian
this caravan was flipped upside down by the wild weather in gingin. picture: david cooper/the west australian

This caravan was flipped upside down by the wild weather in Gingin. Picture: David Cooper/The West Australian

The Bureau of Meteorology is forecasting showers and thunderstorms today with gusty winds, hail and heavy rain possible with thunderstorms about the hills this afternoon.


Burnt out truck on a Gingin property. Picture: by Ian Munro / The West Australian

Yesterday, one house was destroyed by fire in Wanerie 90km north-west of Perth and another by wild weather in Gingin, while at least three planes were forced to return to Perth Airport after they were struck by lightning.


The roof of this home was ripped off during the storm. Picture: Robb Scott/7 News

The thunderstorms left about 5000 homes without power, mainly in Lancelin and the northern fringe suburbs.

One flight had just left Perth with 50 passengers when it was hit by lightning just before 5.30pm on Wednesday and was forced to return.


The roof was torn from this building. Picture: Amelia Broun/7 News

It landed safely and two people were taken to Royal Perth Hospital for treatment.


The remnants of a shed destroyed in the storm. Picture: Robb Scott/7News

The hospital said on Thursday morning that one of the men had been discharged while the other was in a stable condition.

A number of airlines also cancelled flights. In Wanerie, firefighters were called to a house on Bennies Road but were unable to save it.


Lightning strikes in the city as the storm hit Perth. Picture: Ian Munro/The West Australian

A 73-year-old man believed to be helping defend his neighbour's property was treated for smoke inhalation. Shire of Gingin residents in Sovereign Hill, Redfield Park Estate and Seabird were told to evacuate or prepare to defend as a 5km front burned towards them through Moore River National Park.

About 60 firefighters worked to contain the blaze. An evacuation centre was set up but the alert level had been downgraded by 5pm.


Fire sweeps through Gingin. Picture: Simon Hydzik/7 News

About 280km north of Perth in Eneabba, residents were also told to leave or prepare to defend because of another fire started by lightning.

Sections of the Brand Highway were closed and water bombing aircraft were called in. By 5pm, the alert level for the Shire of Carnamah had been downgraded.


two houses were destroyed and three people taken to hospital after thunderstorms caused havoc and sparked several fires north of perth yesterday.
two houses were destroyed and three people taken to hospital after thunderstorms caused havoc and sparked several fires north of perth yesterday.

Two houses were destroyed and three people taken to hospital after thunderstorms caused havoc and sparked several fires north of Perth yesterday.

The Weather Bureau reported hail in Moora, 175km north of Perth, and 47mm of rain in an hour in Coolangatta, east of Geraldton.

The weather provided a rare opportunity for photographers such as Luke Baker who snapped what he described as the best lightning picture of his life from Kings Park.


Picture: Luke Baker