UPDATE: The Department of Fire and Emergency Services are warning South West residents to get ready now with dangerous weather set to hit parts of the region on Friday.
People in the South West of WA experience a front as windy as this about five times per year and it is likely to cause damage to homes and make travel dangerous.
The cold front is expected to hit the state during Thursday afternoon and evening and is likely to cause widespread damaging winds to 100 kilometres an hour that could result in damage to homes and property.
In isolated areas, dangerous gusts in excess of 125 kilometres per hour are possible.
Thunderstorms are also a possibility on Thursday evening with dangerous surf conditions likely to develop later on Thursday and continuing into Fridday.
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
If your home has been badly damaged by a storm, call the SES on 132 500 and 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.
EARLIER: Communities in WA’s south are being warned to prepare their properties as the strongest cold-front of the season is expected to hit on Thursday.
The Department of Fire and Emergency Services South West Superintendent Peter Norman said people often underestimate the destructive power of strong winds and now is the time to take action to stay safe.
“Talk to your family or housemates today about what can be done around your property to minimise any damage or serious injury. You can never be too prepared, and leaving it to the last minute can be devastating, both emotionally and financially,” he said.
“Clean out your gutters, secure or remove loose items around your property and remove any overhanging tree branches.
“Ensure you have an emergency kit ready to go, including a battery operated radio, torch, spare batteries and first aid kit.
“Make sure animals are in a safe, wind protected area and vehicles are under cover, away from falling debris.”
Mr Norman said the Bureau of Meteorology advises damaging winds will be widespread, with destructive winds up to 90 kilometres per hour and isolated thunderstorms expected throughout the affected regions.
He cautioned people to stay out of the water as conditions will be especially treacherous across the coastline within the warning area.
“Don’t jeopardise your safety, it’s just not worth it. Put your fishing, boating or surfing plans on hold until the weather has passed,” he said.
“Boat owners should make sure their boats are securely moored to withstand significant wave heights.”
State Emergency Service (SES) volunteers and other emergency services personnel work tirelessly during and after severe weather events to clear fallen trees, make temporary repairs in areas affected by storms.
Last year, SES volunteers attended 658 storm related calls for assistance and invested over 8544 hours helping the community.
If your home is badly damaged and you cannot safely fix it yourself, call the SES on 132 500.
For tips on how to prepare your home and family for storms, visit dfes.wa.gov.au/WinterSAFE.
