A severe weather warning has been issued for people in the South West, including Mandurah and the Peel region.
The Bureau of Meteorology warns a strong, fast moving cold front will reach the Southwest Capes around 8am on Thursday morning, extending east through the South West Land Division during the day.
Showers and isolated thunderstorms may produce damaging winds with gusts to 100 kilometres per hour and could cause damage to homes and property.
Damaging winds are likely to develop from around 8am on Thursday morning about the Southwest Capes, extending eastwards with the front, reaching Albany by about 11am, Perth by about midday and Hopetoun by 5pm.
Strong gusts may occur in showers ahead of the front, with gusty showers and strong winds likely to continue behind the front for the remainder of Thursday. Thunderstorms are only expected in the warning area near and south of Mandurah.
People in the southwest of WA experience a front as windy as this about 5 times a year.
Locations which may be affected include Albany, Bunbury, Busselton, Katanning, Mandurah, Manjimup, Margaret River, Mount Barker, Narrogin, Perth, Walpole and Yanchep.
The following wind gusts have been recorded:
- 89 km/h at Cape Leeuwin at 3:36 am.
- 83 km/h at Dardanup at 5:43am.
- 83 km/h at Cape Naturaliste at 5:52am.
- 69 km/h at Rottnest Island at 05:30am.
The Department of Fire and Emergency Services advises that people should:
- If outside find safe shelter away from trees, power lines, storm water drains and streams.
- Close your curtains and blinds, and stay inside away from windows.
- Unplug electrical appliances and do not use land line telephones if there is lightning.
- If boating, swimming or surfing leave the water.
- Be alert and watch for hazards on the road such as fallen power lines and loose debris.
- Keep away from flooded drains, rivers, streams and waterways.
- Be careful of fallen trees, damaged buildings and debris.
- Be careful of fallen power lines. They are dangerous and should always be treated as live.
- Assess your home, car and property for damage.
- If damage has occurred take photos and contact your insurance company to organise permanent repairs.
If your home or property has significant damage, like a badly damaged roof or flooding, call the SES on 132 500.