AS at 3.21pm on Friday the Bureau of Meteorology advised a deep low pressure system will move South of Albany and an associated strong cold front will move over South West parts of WA during Saturday.
The front is expected to be windier than a typical front and is likely to produce the kind of weather that is around twice a year.
If you live in an area South West of a line from Mandurah to Hyden to Israelite Bay you should take action and stay safe with severe weather to come.
This includes people in Mandurah, Narrogin, Katanning, Bridgetown, Margaret River, Busselton, Bunbury, Albany, Esperance and surrounding areas.
This weather system is likely to cause widespread damaging winds to 100 kilometres per hour that could result in damage to homes and property.
In isolated areas dangerous gusts in excess of 125 kilometres per hour could cause significant damage or destruction to homes and property.
Damaging winds are likely to develop South West of a line Busselton to Windy Harbour between 3am and 5am Saturday, and extend to south west of a line Mandurah to Hyden to Israelite Bay after 8am Saturday.
Small hail is possible, with thunderstorms likely south of a line Bunbury to Esperance.
Dangerous surf conditions are likely which could cause significant beach erosion.
Storms may be accompanied by damaging winds and small hail.
This is unusual weather that is likely to cause damage to homes and make travel dangerous.
What to do
If outside find safe shelter away from trees, powerlines, storm water drains and streams.
Close your curtains and blinds, and stay inside away from windows.
Unplug electrical appliances and avoid using landline telephones if there is lightning.
If there is flooding, create your own sandbags by using pillow cases filled with sand and place them around doorways to protect your home.
If boating, swimming or surfing leave the water.
If driving
Do not drive into water of unknown depth and current.
Slow down, turn your lights on and keep a safe distance from other drivers.
Be alert and watch for hazards on the road such as fallen powerlines and loose debris.
If it is raining heavily and you cannot see, pull over and park with your hazard lights on until the rain clears.
Take care in areas that have been flooded and be careful driving on gravel roads as surfaces will be slippery and muddy, and vehicles could become bogged.
What emergency services are doing
DFES is monitoring the situation.
If you need assistance
If your home has been badly damaged by a storm, call the SES on 132 500
In a life threatening situation call 000
After a storm State Emergency Service (SES) volunteers make temporary repairs to homes that have been badly damaged, such as roofs that have been ripped off or large fallen trees on homes and cars. Please contact your insurance company to organise permanent repairs.
Keep up to date
Visit dfes.wa.gov.au, call 13 DFES (13 3337), follow DFES on Twitter @dfes_wa or listen to news bulletins.
For the latest weather warnings visit bom.gov.au/wa/warnings or call 1300 659 213.
The next update will be provided when the situation changes.
