The Department of Fire and Emergency Services (DFES) is warning people to prepare for bad weather in parts of the South West and Lower South West
Residents who live South West of a line from Bunbury to Walpole should take action to stay safe with bad weather to come today and tomorrow.
This includes people in Margaret River, Augusta and Busselton and surrounding areas.
This is typical weather for this time of year but winds may cause localised damage to property and make road conditions hazardous.
The Bureau of Meteorology advises a cold front will move across the region between 9am and 3pm Saturday.
The cold front will produce thunderstorms that may cause damaging winds around 100 kilometres per hour that could cause damage or destruction to homes or property in localised areas.
If outside find safe shelter away from trees, powerlines, storm water drains and streams. Close your curtains and blinds, and stay inside away from windows. Unplug electrical appliances and avoid using landline telephones if there is lightning.
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 boating, swimming or surfing leave the water.
If Driving
- Do not drive into water of unknown depth and current.
- Slow down, turn your lights on and keep a safe distance from other drivers.
- Be alert and watch for hazards on the road such as fallen powerlines and loose debris.
- 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 be careful driving on gravel roads as surfaces will be slippery and muddy, and vehicles could become bogged.
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 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.
Click back to this website, visit the DFES website, call 13 DFES (13 3337) or follow DFES on Twitter for the latest updates.
For the latest weather warnings visit BOM's website or call 1300 659 213.
