BUNBURY residents have been warned to get ready for more bad weather coming this evening.
The Bureau of Meteorology warning includes people in the Perth Metropolitan area, Mandurah, York, Bunbury, Busselton, Margaret River, Bridgetown, Narrogin, Katanning and Albany and surrounding areas.
This is typical weather for this time of year but rainfail is expected to be heavier than normal.
Heavy rainfall and damaging winds may cause damage to property and make road conditions hazardous.
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.
Remove debris from gutters and drains, if it is safe to do so.
If there is flooding, create your own sandbags by using pillow cases filled with sand and place them around doorways to protect your home.
IF DRIVING
If it is raining heavily and you cannot see, pull over and park with your hazard lights on until the rain clears.
Take care in areas that have been flooded and do not drive into water of unknown depth and current.
If you are in the country be careful driving on gravel roads as surfaces will be slippery and muddy, and vehicles could become bogged.
If you are away from home contact family or friends to prepare your property
WEATHER DETAILS:
As at 12.52pm on Thursday 28 August 2014 the Bureau of Meteorology advises a slow moving cold front will move through southwest parts of the state from Thursday evening through to Friday afternoon.
The front is likely to produce heavy rainfall that may cause flash flooding. Rainfall from this front is expected to be heavier than normal.
In isolated areas there is also the risk that thunderstorms with damaging winds to 100 kilometres per hour could result in damage to homes and property.
The heavy rainfall is expected to develop in the Southwest District from 8.00pm Thursday evening and will extend to the Perth Metropolitan area by 8.00am Friday morning.
IMPORTANT NUMBERS:
If your home has been badly damaged by a storm call the SES on 132 500
In a life threatening situation call 000
For the latest weather information visit http://www.bom.gov.au/ or call 1300 659 213
After a storm State Emergency Service (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 and cars. Please contact your insurance company to organise permanent repairs.
