Source: Bureau of Meteorology

For people in South Coastal and parts of South West and Great Southern districts.

Issued at 10:58 am Saturday, 17 August 2024.

Damaging winds are likely to develop about the southwest of the state from early Sunday morning.

Weather Situation: A low pressure system is expected to strengthen near the south coast overnight, causing a vigorous south to southwesterly wind regime to develop during early Sunday morning. The low is likely to initially be slow moving and remain near the Albany coast during the morning, before moving to the east during the afternoon and evening.

For EXPOSED COASTAL AREAS OF THE SOUTH WEST AND SOUTH COASTAL DISTRICTS: South to southwesterly DAMAGING WINDS averaging 60 to 70 km/h with peak gusts to 100 km/h are likely to develop between Cape Naturaliste and Albany from around midnight. These conditions may possibly extend east to include the coastline between Albany and Bremer Bay during the late morning.

For INLAND AREAS: Isolated DAMAGING WIND GUSTS reaching around 90 km/h are possible, developing around sunrise on Sunday and continuing into the afternoon. As the low moves eastward during Sunday afternoon and evening there is a possibility of DAMAGING WIND GUSTS extending to areas of the South East Coastal district.

Conditions are expected to ease from the west on Sunday evening and then ease throughout the warning area during Monday morning as the low pressure system weakens and moves into the Bight.

A separate Severe Weather Warning is current for heavy rainfall in parts of the Southwest and Lower West districts during Saturday, which is expected to ease during the early afternoon. Refer to http://www.bom.gov.au/wa/warnings/ for more details.

Locations which may be affected include Albany, Margaret River, Mount Barker, Bremer Bay, Dunsborough and Walpole.

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.