Destructive winds have torn through Secret Harbour, about 70km south of Perth, damaging about 20 homes. Violent winds have brought down trees and damaged about 20 houses in Secret Harbour, just north of Mandurah overnight. A fallen tree smashed onto a gazebo in Anstey Park in Secret Harbour.
A 100km/h wind gust was recorded at Mandurah at 1.53am today and Cape Leeuwin has been buffeted by strong winds in excess of 75km/h since about 5am, with a maximum gust of 96km/h at 7.12am. The SES hasreceived 24 calls for assistance for minor roof damage, with the majority of calls from people in Secret Harbour Boulevard, just metres from the ocean.
The Rockingham / Kwinana SES Unit have been active since 2 am attending request for assistance from the public. There are a number of SES Units assisting them in the operation including Canning, Armadale and Mundurah. A spokesperson from the Rockingham / Kwinana SES Units said” there are presently 37 SES Volunteers in the field and they hope to complete all repairs by midday”.
The strong cold front has dumped heavy rain on the city and is threatening destructive winds in excess of 125km/h in the south of the state from Mandurah to Albany. Widespread, heavy showers brought decent falls across the metropolitan area to 9am, with Bickley recording 29mm, Perth 19mm, Jandakot and Champion Lakes 18mm. Swanbourne has also had 18mm and Perth Airport 17mm. Perth has now had nearly 40mm for September, and is on track to reach the monthly average of just over 80mm.
And the city is facing another wintry day, with showers and storms forecast with a maximum temperature of 19C. The Bureau is tipping 100 per cent likelihood of more rain, with 10mm-25mm possible. Showers are tipped on and off for the next week.
Today’s Forecast: Cloudy. Showers and scattered thunderstorms. Winds northwesterly 25km/h to 35 km/h turning westerly 30 to 45 km/h during the morning. In the South West, Witchcliffe had the highest rainfall to 9m with more than 26mm and Collie 24mm. Some rain has also penetrated into the Great Southern with Katanning and Wandering getting 10mm each.
Severe Weather Warning
A Severe Weather Warning remains in place for destructive winds up to 125km/h for people in the Lower West, South West and South Coastal forecast districts. The wild weather is expected to affect areas southwest of a line from Mandurah to Albany, including: Mandurah, Bunbury, Busselton, Margaret River, Bridgetown and Albany. “A strong cold front is moving across southwestern parts of the state, with a low pressure system passing south of the state to lie south of Albany by Wednesday evening,” the Bureau advised. “In isolated areas showers and thunderstorms may produce dangerous gusts in excess of 125km/h which could cause significant damage or destruction to homes and property.
“The greatest risk of dangerous gusts is most likely from mid to late Wednesday morning as the low moves to lie south of Albany by Wednesday evening. Strong and squally winds are expected to continue through to Wednesday evening.” “This is typical weather for this time of year but winds may cause damage to property and make road conditions hazardous.”
The SES advises that people should:
- If outside find safe shelter away from trees, power lines, storm water drains and streams.
- Close your curtains and blinds, and stay inside away from windows.
- Unplug electrical appliances and do not use land line telephones if there is lightning.
- If boating, swimming or surfing leave the water.
- Be alert and watch for hazards on the road such as fallen power lines and loose debris.
If your home or property has significant damage, like a badly damaged roof or flooding, call the SES on 132 500.