The Department of Fire and Emergency Services has issued a severe weather warning for the South West, Lower South West and Great Southern.
If you live in the South West district, South Coastal district and parts of the Great Southern district you need to get ready now for the severe weather coming early tomorrow morning.
Locations which may be affected include Albany, Bunbury, Busselton, Katanning, Manjimup, Margaret River, Mount Barker, Augusta, Dunsborough, Harvey, Jerramungup and Walpole.
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
WEATHER DETAILS:
The Bureau of Meteorology has advised a developing low pressure system is expected to bring areas of heavy rain and squally winds as it moves over the South West on Wednesday.
Damaging winds averaging 60 to 70 kilometres per hour with gusts to 90 kilometres per hour are possible and could cause damage to homes and property.
Damaging winds may develop around 2:00am Wednesday morning between Busselton and Augusta, extending southwest of a line from Harvey to Albany by 8:00am Wednesday morning and extending to Bremer Bay and inland to Katanning by 2:00pm Wednesday afternoon.
There is some uncertainty on the location of the low and the extent of damaging winds is dependent on the location of the low.
If the low develops further to the north the warning area may be extended as far north as Mandurah.
Winds are expected to ease by Thursday.
Heavy rainfall between Busselton and Walpole may lead to localised flooding between 11:00pm Tuesday night and 2:00pm Wednesday afternoon.
Damaging surf conditions are likely which could cause significant beach erosion between Bunbury and Walpole.
This weather is unusual for this time of year in the South West, it is more typical of a strong winter storm.
Winds and heavy rain may cause damage to property and make road conditions hazardous.
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 by calling Main Roads WA on 138 138 or visiting www.mainroads.wa.gov.au or by contacting your local Shire.
WHAT EMERGENCY SERVICES ARE DOING:
DFES is monitoring the situation.
IF YOU NEED 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 www.emergency.wa.gov.au or call 13 DFES (13 3337).
Updates will be provided when the situation changes.
