Perth and WA weather: Severe thunderstorms, gale force wind warnings issued as downpour begins

The Bureau of Meteorology has issued a spate of warnings, telling WA residents to expect severe thunderstorms, heavy rainfall and damaging winds.

The wild weather is expected to impact the western coast throughout Friday and Saturday as a cold front moves over the State.

Perth locals can expect 35mm of rain to pour over the city on Friday, with Bureau meteorologist Mia Williams warning some parts of the city may face 50 to 60mm of rain.

“When the cold front hits the Perth area on Friday, the main things residents will observe is a high amount of rainfall,” she told PerthNow.

Rainfall will continue in the metropolitan area throughout Saturday and Sunday, with 15mm expected to fall each day.

The Bureau of Meteorology issued a strong wind warning for the WA coast, spanning from the Ningaloo Coast down to Cape Leeuwin, forecasting the metropolitan region may see winds reaching 61km/h.

The South West and Great Southern regions will bear the brunt of the damaging winds, however, with weather officials warning residents south of Bunbury will face gale force winds reaching 62km to 87km/h.

A severe thunderstorm warning was also issued at 9.53am for residents in the Greater Perth area, with locals living south-of-the-river set to endure the worst of the storms.

Locations experiencing the heaviest impact of the thunderstorms include Mandurah, Rottnest Island, Armadale, Dwellingup, Fremantle and Pinjarra.

The storms are expected to produce heavy rainfall that experts warn may lead to flash flooding.

Meteorologist Mia Williams told PerthNow on Thursday cold fronts and strong storms such as this weekend’s can cause stronger weather phenomenon to hit land, such as tornadoes.

“With any cold front similar to this, there is a chance of systems such as tornadoes hitting the coast,” Ms Williams said.

“Residents should exercise caution, especially near coastal regions where potentially hazardous conditions may occur.”

The possibility of a bigger weather event has Perth locals on edge, after a freak storm in City Beach during July caused significant damage to the western suburbs.

The Department of Fire and Emergency Services advises that Perth residents should:

• Keep away from flooded drains, rivers, streams and waterways.
• Assess your home, car and property for damage.* If damage has occurred take photos and contact your insurance company to organise permanent repairs.
• * 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.
• If your home or property has significant damage, like a badly damaged roof or flooding, call the SES on 132 500.