The Department of Fire and Emergency Service has warned Bunbury residents to prepare for thunderstorms set to hit on Sunday afternoon.
Residents throughout the South West and and South Coastal districts, including Perth metropolitan area and surrounds, were told to get ready now for the thunderstorms.
Locations which may be affected include Bunbury, Busselton, Mandurah, Manjimup, Margaret River, Perth, Walpole, Albany and Yanchep.
This is unusual weather that could cause damage to homes and make travel dangerous.
What to do
DFES advises residents to:
- Trim branches around your home to prevent them falling on your roof or car.
- Clear gutters and downpipes so they do not overflow after heavy rain.
- Store or weigh down loose objects around your home or work like outdoor furniture that could be picked up and thrown by strong winds, causing damage or injury.
- Prepare an emergency kit with a battery operated radio, torch, spare batteries and first aid kit.
- Organise an emergency plan, including a plan to evacuate for your family and pets in case your home becomes flooded.
Weather details
Bureau of Meteorology advised a deep slow-moving low pressure system is expected to pass close to the southwest corner of the state from late Sunday night through to early Monday afternoon.
An associated cold front will affect coastal parts of the South West district during Sunday afternoon and extend over the South West Land Division during Monday.
Showers and thunderstorms may cause damaging winds with gusts to 100 kilometres per hour which could cause damage to homes and property initially southwest of a line from Margaret River to Walpole Sunday afternoon before extending throughout the warning area during Sunday evening.
Damaging surf conditions are likely, which could cause significant beach erosion between Cape Naturaliste and Albany during Sunday afternoon before extending northwards to Perth by Sunday evening.
Higher than normal tides may cause flooding of low-lying coastal areas for a period during Sunday evening.
Road closures and conditions
Roads have not been closed, but DFES warns motorists to take extra care on the roads and to avoid driving into water of unknown depth and current.
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.
