Source: Bureau of Meteorology

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

Issued at 1:00 pm Sunday, 18 August 2024.
Isolated heavy rainfall and damaging winds over parts of the Great Southern, South Coastal and South West easing this evening.

Weather Situation: A low pressure system is situated southeast of the Albany coast this afternoon, resulting in vigorous south to southwesterly winds over parts of the southwest. The low is likely begin to weaken as it moves away 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 between Cape Leeuwin and Denmark.

For INLAND AREAS: Isolated DAMAGING WIND GUSTS reaching around 90 km/h are also possible throughout the day, before easing around sunset. Isolated HEAVY RAINFALL which may lead to flash flooding is also possible, more likely around northern parts of the South Coastal district and southern parts of the Great Southern district. 6 hourly rainfall totals of 40 to 60 mm are possible.

Conditions are generally expected to ease by early evening, though sustained DAMAGING WINDS about the exposed coastal parts of the southwest may continue until later this evening.

Locations which may be affected include Katanning, Mount Barker, Augusta, Jerramungup, Lake Grace and Walpole.

48.6 mm of rainfall was recorded at Woonanup in the 6 hours to 11:30 am
94 km/h wind gust was recorded at Nyabing at 11:45 am
48.4 mm of rainfall was recorded at Kendenup West in the 6 hours to 12:40 pm
50.8 mm of rainfall was recorded at Mount Barker in the 6 hours to 12:40 pm
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.