The Bureau of Meteorology has issued a warning to residents across the South Western corner of the state, branding the next bout of winter weather as “unusual” and “likely to cause damage to homes.”
The front is expected to be windier than a typical front and to affect a larger area than usual at this time of year.
The bureau warned that travel would be dangerous during the weather activity and that properties were likely to be damaged in the high winds.
In south west WA, it is likely to produce the kind of weather that is only seen about five times per year.
A strengthening northerly flow ahead of a strong cold front will cause winds and rain to increase from late Monday along the west coast.
The strong cold front will move through during Tuesday, with damaging winds with gusts to 100 kilometres per hour possibly resulting in damage to homes and property.
The threat of damaging winds will extend eastwards to include southern inland parts during Tuesday.
There is a slight risk of dangerous gusts in excess of 125 kilometres per hour that could cause significant damage or destruction to homes and property in localised coastal areas between Bunbury and Walpole late Monday and again during Tuesday morning with the passage of the front.
Tides are likely to rise above the normal high tide mark with very rough seas and potential flooding of low-lying coastal areas during Tuesday, particularly in the Geographe Bay area.
Damaging surf conditions are likely which may cause beach erosion in coastal areas between Jurien Bay and Walpole, particularly in Geographe Bay from late Monday night.
The heaviest rainfall is expected in coastal parts between Jurien Bay and Walpole with only light rainfall over eastern inland parts of the warning area.
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.
Visit www.emergency.wa.gov.au, call 13 DFES (13 3337) to stay up to date with weather warnings.
