Power lines are down, trees uprooted, fences destroyed and traffic lights out in Perth and the South West amid high winds and heavy rain overnight.
Emergency services have been stretched to the limit as they respond to multiple calls for help, including a person who was trapped in his car early Tuesday morning after driving over downed power lines in Midland.
More than 32,000 homes are without power, with outages stretching from Two Rocks to Pemberton.
DFES received more than 186 calls for help overnight, with a spokesman confirming that the main incidents occurred in the metropolitan area.
Camera icon A large tree has fallen on Melville Parade in Como, blocking traffic. Credit: Paul Entwistle/Twitter
Those without power may have to wait several hours until it is restored with Western Power warning that repairs will be “delayed” due to difficult weather conditions.
Described by the WA Bureau of Meteorology as a once-a-year storm, a strong cold front lashed the south-west corner of the state on Monday and into the early hours of Tuesday morning.
If you want to see this content, please adjust your cookie settings.
For more information on how we use cookies, see our Cookies Guide.
Police responded to more than seven storm-related incidents Tuesday morning, including the still-unfolding Midland incident. Western Power and DFES are also responding.
In Gooseberry Hill, a tree fell on a house, bringing with it power lines that have covered parts of the road. There have also been several accidents.
IconGale force winds from the cam tore off the Big W sign at the Belmont Forum. Credit: Daniel Wilkins/The West Australian
Riverside Drive has been closed due to flooding from Victoria Avenue to Barrack Street and Main Roads WA has warned motorists traveling into the city to allow extra travel time.
Main Roads WA has warned motorists that a number of traffic lights are out in Morley, Menora, Balga, Langford, Ferndale and Rockingham and has urged drivers to slow down and give way on the right.
If you want to see this content, please adjust your cookie settings.
For more information on how we use cookies, see our Cookies Guide.
The Bureau of Meteorology issued a statement this Tuesday morning in which it assured that the “series of strong cold fronts” will continue throughout the State until Wednesday.
“Storms and gale-force winds in excess of 90 km/ha are expected in parts of the region,” the statement said.
“This weather system is expected to be windier and longer lasting than a typical front and is likely to produce the type of weather that is only seen once a year.”
Camera Icon Two large trees have been uprooted during the overnight storm. Credit: Tracy Brownell/Facebook
Cape Leeuwin recorded a dangerous gust of 137 km/h on Monday night, while Bickley recorded a gust of 117 km/h on Tuesday morning.
Cape Naturaliste recorded winds of 111 km/h, Gingin Airport 109 km/h, Shark Bay Airport 107 km/h and Busselton Pier 100 km/h.
As cold fronts move in, heavy rain and thunderstorms are lashing the Perth area, with the metropolitan region recording 44mm of rain.
Camera iconA tree falls overnight crashing into a patio roof in Mundaring. Credit: Cherie Ward/Facebook
Gooseberry Hill got a soak of 43.8mm, while the Swanbourne coast recorded 39.2mm.
In the south-west, areas such as Bunbury recorded 61.6mm of rain, while 30.9mm hit the gauge in Albany.
If you want to see this content, please adjust your cookie settings.
For more information on how we use cookies, see our Cookies Guide.
Emergency WA has kept its severe weather warning alert in place, saying damaging gale-force winds could cause damage to homes and make travel dangerous.
“If outside find a safe shelter away from trees, power lines, storm drains and streams,” the warning said.
“Close curtains and blinds and stay inside away from windows.
“If there is flooding, create your own sandbags using pillowcases filled with sand and place them around doors to protect your home.”
Camera icon Several trees and power lines were downed during the storm along O’Connor Road in Mahogany Creek. Credit: Tamzin Scott/Facebook
Surfers are also advised to stay out of the water on Tuesday with dangerous swell expected.
“A vigorous westerly flow with embedded cold fronts will drive the development of large and powerful waves that will continue into Tuesday and Wednesday,” DFES said.
“Sustained heavy surf will develop along parts of the coast exposed to the west-southwest from Monday night, with the potential for significant coastal erosion.
“Significant waves in excess of 7 meters are expected in exposed locations.”