Source: Bureau of Meteorology

For people in South West and parts of Lower West, Central West and Great Southern districts.

Issued at 4:26 am Wednesday, 31 July 2024.

Heavy rainfall and damaging wind gusts to develop in thunderstorms over the southwest from this afternoon.

Weather Situation: A strong cold front is forecast to move across southwest WA, producing severe thunderstorms ahead of it from this afternoon and along the front from this evening. Conditions are expected to ease as the front spreads inland and weakens on Thursday morning.

HEAVY RAINFALL which may lead to FLASH FLOODING is possible with thunderstorms for coastal parts of the South West and Lower West districts, including the southern suburbs of Perth, from early this afternoon. Heavy rainfall becomes likely in the South West from this evening, spreading north to Perth and the Central West as far as Jurien Bay overnight.

Strong winds averaging 50 to 60 km/h with DAMAGING WIND GUSTS of around 100 km/h are possible with thunderstorms over the South West and Lower West districts from early this afternoon, extending to remaining parts of the warning area during the evening.

Conditions are forecast to ease below warning thresholds in the South West from late this evening, and through the remainder of the warning area on Thursday morning.

This is typical weather for this time of year.

Locations which may be affected include Bunbury, Busselton, Mandurah, Manjimup, Margaret River 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.