Severe weather warning for lower west and south west

People living in parts of the lower west and south west districts are being urged to prepare for severe weather coming in early tomorrow morning.

Locations which may be affected include Armadale, Dwellingup, Ellenbrook, Harvey, Kalamunda, Midland and Mundaring. 

Although gusty easterly winds are typical for this time of year, they are expected to be stronger than usual averaging 50 to 60km/h with peak gusts of up to 90km/h possible. 

DFES has these tips to help you and your family get ready now:

• Store or weigh done loose objects around your home like outdoor furniture that could be picked up and thrown by strong winds, causing damage or injury
• Ensure your emergency kit is complete including a battery operated radio, torch, spare batteries and first aid kit
• Ensure pets and animals are in a safe area
• Move vehicles under cover
• Boat owners should securely moor their boats
• Campers should find safe shelter away from trees, powerlines, storm water drains and streams
• Unplug electrical appliances and avoid using landline telephone if there is lightning.

If you are away from home contact family of friends to prepare your property. 

WEATHER DETAILS:
At 13/01/2021 10:44:00 the Bureau of Meteorology advised a developing high pressure system to the south of the State will result in a surge of strong easterly winds across the Darling Escarpment and foothills.damaging winds averaging 50 to 60 km/h with peak gusts of up to 90 km/h are possible about the hills and foothills in the Lower West and northern parts of the South West districts. This could cause damage to homes and property from midnight Wednesday and during the early hours of Thursday morning.The risk of damaging winds is most likely to ease after around 8:00am AWST on Thursday morning.

ROAD CLOSURES AND CONDITIONS:

Some roads may be closed

Take extra care on the roads and do not drive into water of unknown depth and current.

Road information may also be available from Main Roads WA by calling 138 138 or visiting travelmap.mainroads.wa.gov.au or by contacting your Local Government Authority.

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 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 or cars. Please contact your insurance company to organise permanent repairs.

KEEP UP TO DATE:
Visit emergency.wa.gov.au, call 13 DFES (13 3337), follow DFES on Twitter: twitter.com/dfes_wa, Facebook: facebook.com/dfeswa, listen to ABC Local Radio, 6PR, or news bulletins.

During a power outage, your home phone, computer or other electronic devices connected to the NBN will not work. Include a battery powered radio in your emergency kit.

Updates will be provided when the situation changes.