The Bureau of Meterology has issued a severe weather warning for parts of the South West.
Issued at 3:15 pm Wednesday, September 20, the bureau have said that damaging winds will hit the South West tomorrow morning.
Locations which may be affected include Albany, Bridgetown, Bunbury, Busselton, Collie, Katanning, Manjimup, Margaret River and Mount Barker.
Weather Situation:
A strong cold front will reach the Southwest Capes around 8am on Thursday morning, extending east through the South West Land Division during the day.
Showers and isolated thunderstorms may produce DAMAGING WINDS with gusts to 100 kilometres per hour and could cause DAMAGE TO HOMES AND PROPERTY.
DAMAGING WINDS are likely to develop from around 8am on Thursday morning about the Southwest Capes, extending eastwards with the front, reaching Albany by around 11am and Hopetoun by 2pm.
Strong gusts may occur in showers ahead of the front from around 5am on Thursday, with gusty showers and strong winds likely to continue behind the front for the remainder of Thursday.
People in the southwest of WA experience a front as windy as this about five times a year.
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.
The next Severe Weather Warning will be issued by 11:00 pm AWST Wednesday.
Warnings are also available through TV and Radio broadcasts, the Bureau's website at www.bom.gov.au or call 1300 659 213. The Bureau and Department of Fire and Emergency Services would appreciate warnings being broadcast regularly.
