THE State Emergency Service is warning Mandurah and South West residents to brace themselves for an intense storm which is set to hit later today.
FESA warns the storm will be similar in strength to the one that affected the South West on Sunday, however it will also affect the South Coast and extend further inland.
The Bureau of Meteorology is predicting tonight's front could be as severe as Sunday's storm, which saw winds reach 136km/h.
They issued a severe weather warning, at 2pm today, for people in parts of WA south of a line from Geraldton to Laverton to Forrest.
This includes people in, near or between Geraldton, Dalwallinu, Jurien Bay, Southern Cross, York, Perth, Mandurah, Bunbury, Busselton, Margaret River, Bridgetown, Albany, Katanning, Narrogin, Esperance, Kalgoorlie and Eucla.
The worst conditions will commence late afternoon or early evening in the Augusta -Margaret River area, reaching Perth metropolitan area later in the evening.
This storm is expected to cause widespread dangerous winds in excess of 125 kilometres per hour, with locally dangerous gusts in excess of 125 kilometres per hour which could cause significant damage or destruction to homes or property.
Grahame Reader from the Bureau of Meteorology said the "extreme and wild weather" was very unusual and warned there was more to come.
"We do expect that there will be widespread disruptive wind gusts up to 125km/h, which is equivalent to a category two cyclone, and is enough to cause significant damage," he said.
What to do
FESA State Emergency Service (SES) has advised motorists travelling in or to the South West need to review their unecessary travel plans for today and tomorrow due to the hazardous conditions.
They are also advising people to make sure they are prepared for the storm and has a checklist to follow.
• Avoid flooded drains, rivers, streams and waterways and be careful of fallen trees and damaged buildings.
• Keep clear of fallen powerlines as they are dangerous and should always be treated as live.
• Assess your home, property and car for damage and when safe check on friends and neighbours to see if they need help.
• 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.
• Unplug electrical applicances and avoid using landline telephones if there is lightning.
• If you are away from home contact family or friends to prepare your property.
• Construction site workers should store loose building material and tie down sheds.
• Boat owners should securely moor their boats.
• Campers should find safe shelter away from trees, powerlines, storm water drains and streams.
• Be aware of significant debris due to the storm yesterday and take care if outside in wind gusts.
• If driving, take extra care on the roads, slow down and keep a safe distance from other drivers.
• 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 your home has been damaged
• Be careful of debris and damaged buildings
• If asbestos has been damaged on your property you should seek professional advice before attempting any repairs or clean up because it could be dangerous
• If your home has structural damage like a badly damaged roof or flooding, call the SES on 132 500
• Take photographs as soon as possible for insurance purposes and contact your insurance company to organise permanent repairs.
• Start cleaning up around your home – stack loose material such as branches and debris away from water meters, valves and telephone lines.
• Start cleaning up around your home – stack loose material such as branches and debris away from water meters, valves and telephone lines.
People should be mindful of the dangers that could be present when undertaking storm preparations and damage repairs and ensure they take appropriate safety precautions.
Important numbers
If your home or property 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 www.bom.gov.au or call 1300 659 213.
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 and cars. Please contact your insurance company to organise permanent repairs.
Call 1300 657 209, visit www.fesa.wa.gov.au