Perth residents are bracing for one of the most powerful storms to hit Western Australia in years, with forecasters warning the dangerous weather system could unleash destructive winds, flash flooding and even tornadoes.
The Bureau of Meteorology issued an updated warning on Saturday morning for a massive stretch of the State between Kalbarri and Esperance, as the unusually powerful cold front barrels towards WA.
TIMING OF STORM
The system is expected to hit the Central West on Saturday evening and then slam Perth before sunrise on Sunday.
Meteorologist Ilana Cherny warned a second burst of dangerous weather — including the risk of locally destructive winds — will then sweep through areas between Lancelin and Albany on Sunday night, into Monday morning.
Perth is set bear the brunt of the system on Sunday, with the strongest wind gusts forecast around 10pm.
On Monday, the low-pressure system is expected to move east, taking the worst of the rain and wind to south eastern Australia.
However, areas from Perth to Albany can still expect some thunderstorm activity on Monday.
WHAT CAN YOU EXPECT
The storm is expected to generate wind gusts powerful enough to bring down trees and powerlines, damage homes and trigger flash flooding.
“Damaging to locally destructive wind gusts in excess of 125 km/h are possible,” the warning stated.
Heavy rainfall is also forecast, particularly through the Central West district from late Saturday afternoon into early Sunday morning, where rainfall totals of 40mm to 60mm in just three hours are possible.
Huge waves reaching up to 8m offshore are also expected, raising the risk of coastal erosion and flooding in low-lying areas, including along the Swan River.
‘STRONGEST WINTER SYSTEM IN YEARS’
Bureau of Meteorology WA manager James Ashley said storms of this intensity were rare in the South West.
“This winter system is unusually strong. It’s the type of system we don’t see very often in the south-west of WA,” Mr Ashley said.
“It’s likely to be the strongest winter system we see this year and maybe the sort of system we only see every four or five years or so.”
RISK OF TORNADOES
Forecasters have also warned parts of the State’s south face a risk of tornadoes.
Meteorologist Sarah Scully said the danger zones would develop ahead of the trough line from Saturday afternoon into Sunday morning. Localities in the State’s south were even at risk of being battered by tornadoes.
“Any tornadoes that do form will be very short-lived and very difficult to track,” Ms Scully said.
LOCATIONS TO BE AFFECTED BY WA STORM
Locations which may be affected include Albany, Bunbury, Esperance, Geraldton, Kalbarri, Katanning, Mandurah, Manjimup, Margaret River, Merredin, Moora, Mount Barker, Narrogin, Norseman, Northam and Perth.
WHAT TO DO
Residents in the warning zone are being told to “you need to act now and stay safe”.
Emergency WA recommends those in locations set to be impacted do the following:
- Pack away, secure or tie down outdoor furniture, trampolines and other loose items around your home that could be picked up and thrown by strong winds.
- Prepare an emergency kit with a radio that runs off batteries, a torch, spare batteries and a first aid kit.
- Review your plan and make sure everyone in your household knows what to do. If you do not have a plan, make one now on Emergency WA or in the Emergency WA app.
- Trim branches around your home to prevent them from falling on your roof or car.
- Clear gutters and downpipes so they do not overflow after heavy rain.
- Boat owners should securely moor their boats
You may become isolated so you need to:
- Have enough canned food and water to last five to seven days, as well as any medications or baby supplies that you may need.
- Keep important documents such as identification and insurance papers safe.
- Fill your vehicle’s fuel tank.
Get the latest news from thewest.com.au in your inbox.
Sign up for our emails