Source: Bureau of Meteorology

For people in Lower West, South West, South Coastal, South East Coastal, Great Southern, Central Wheat Belt and parts of Goldfields, Central West and Eucla districts.

Issued at 10:46 am Wednesday, 2 October 2024.

DAMAGING, LOCALLY DESTRUCTIVE WINDS TO IMPACT THE SOUTH WEST LAND DIVISION FROM LATE THIS EVENING, EXTENDING EAST THROUGH THURSDAY MORNING.

Weather Situation: A strong cold front has crossed the coast and will progress across the South West Land Division today, with an associated deep low pressure system and trough following in its wake. These systems will continue to track eastwards towards the interior during Thursday.

Widespread DAMAGING WINDS averaging 60 to 70 km/h with peak gusts of around 100 km/h are likely along the coastal fringe south of Jurien Bay from late this evening. DAMAGING WIND GUSTS of around 90 km/h are possible further inland over the remaining warning area overnight, persisting through until early Thursday afternoon.

Locally DESTRUCTIVE WIND GUSTS of around 125 km/h are possible along the coastal fringe between Bunbury and Augusta late this evening, easing early Thursday morning.

This system is expected to be windier than typical and unusual for this time of year.

A separate Severe Thunderstorm Warning will be issued if very dangerous thunderstorms with destructive wind gusts are detected.

A separate Coastal Hazard Warning for DAMAGING SURF conditions is also current. Please refer to http://www.bom.gov.au/wa/warnings for more information.

Locations which may be affected include Albany, Bunbury, Busselton, Esperance, Katanning, Mandurah, Manjimup, Margaret River, Merredin, Moora, Mount Barker, Narrogin, Norseman, Northam and Perth.

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.