Australia's west coast to be lashed by 'rare' severe storm

Western Australians are bracing for dangerous weather with damaging winds and heavy rain predicted to lash the state's coast in a "rare event" on Sunday and Monday.

The state is expected to be hit with the wildest autumn weather in years, as the remnants of ex-tropical cyclone Mangga collide with a cold front and trough, whipping up damaging wind gusts of up to 100km/h for nearly the whole coast.

"This is a rare event for Western Australia, particularly due to the extent of the area affected and the possibility of multiple areas of dangerous weather," the Bureau of Meteorology said.

"A similar event to this one occurred in June 2012, which led to over 600 calls for assistance and over 170,000 homes losing power."

The Department of Fire and Emergency Services warns the "unusual weather" could cause significant damage to homes and make travel dangerous.

A "take action now" alert has been issued for most of the state, including Perth and the Great Southern region, as well as parts of the Pilbara in WA's north and the Goldfields in the southeast.

Residents have been warned to unplug electrical appliances, avoid using landline phones if there is lightning, close curtains and blinds, and stay away from windows.

Anyone stuck outside should find safe shelter away from trees, powerlines, storm water drains and streams.

Motorists are warned to watch for hazards, such as debris, and to not drive into water of unknown depth and current.

Residents in coastal areas from as far north as Exmouth and south to Augusta are specifically warned of the potential of a dangerous storm tide.

Peak wave heights in excess of eight metres are predicted for the southwest coast on Monday, causing significant beach erosion.

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