DFES have urged people across South West WA to get ready for the wild weather expected from this evening.
The Bureau of Meteorology has warned that a cold front will move over the South West of the State during Saturday evening and early Sunday morning.
Locations which may be affected include Albany, Bunbury, Busselton, Mandurah, Manjimup, Margaret River and Mount Barker.
Thunderstorms and showers associated with the front may produce damaging winds to 100 kilometres per hour and could cause damage to homes and property.
Damaging winds are possible near the Southwest Capes from around 9pm Saturday evening as the cold front moves through, extending to the remainder of the warning area overnight.
The warning advises residents:
- 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.
Drivers are urged to avoid driving into water of unknown depth and current and should slow down, keeping a safe distance between vehicles.
Drivers should also use their headlights and be alert for fallen trees, debris and powerlines.
If it is raining heavily and visibility is low, drivers should pull over and park with hazard lights operational until the rain clears.
People are being urged to do what they can to help themselves, if it is safe to do so, before calling the SES for assistance
Conditions will ease during Sunday morning.
IF YOU NEED ASSISTANCE:
If your home has been badly damaged by a storm, call the State Emergency Service (SES) on 132 500.
In a life threatening situation call 000.
For the latest weather warnings visit www.bom.gov.au/wa/warnings or call 1300 659 213.