The South West copped a surge of surprise cold weather on Tuesday night, with damaging winds and heavy rainfall expected to continue into Wednesday evening.
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Margaret River received a 48.6mm drenching over just 24 hours, while Cape Leeuwin recorded a new daily rainfall record for January, with 57mm of rain hitting the far South West corner of the state.
Cape Naturaliste in the north of the region recorded a 104 km/hr wind gust at 9am this morning, while Busselton Jetty registered a 91 km/hr wind gust at around 3am.
The Bureau of Meteorology said the developing low pressure system was expected to keep the heavy rain and squally winds in the region throughout Wednesday.
“Damaging winds averaging 60 to 70 kilometres per hour with gusts to 90 kilometres per hour are possible and could cause damage to homes and property.
“Damaging winds are expected between Busselton and Augusta, extending to southwest of a line Harvey to Albany extending to Bremer Bay and inland to Katanning by 2:00pm.”
The Bureau also warned of possible flooding due to heavy rainfall expected in Busselton.
Damaging surf conditions are likely which could cause significant beach erosion between Bunbury and Walpole.
To stay up to date with weather warnings visit www.emergency.wa.gov.au
WHAT TO DO
DFES advises you to:
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.
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.
If your home has been badly damaged by a storm, call the SES on 132 500
In a life threatening situation call 000.
