The Bureau of Meteorology has issued a severe weather warning for parts of the Central Wheatbelt ahead of the first major cold front of the year.
The area is told to expect warm, fresh to strong and gusty northerly winds ahead of the cold front, with showers and squally thunderstorms expected.
BOM said the cold front will reach Perth at around 8pm on Thursday 24 May, 2018 and Murchison to Cunderdin to Albany at around 11pm Thursday night.
Damaging winds with gusts to 100 km/h are likely over the warning area.
Locations which may be affected include Merredin, Moora and Northam.
The Department of Fire and Emergency Service advises people to stay inside, away from windows, be alert and watch for hazards on the road, keep away from flooded drains and be careful of fallen power lines.
The Shire of Northam has also advised residents that a total fire ban has been declared within the Shire of Northam until midnight Thursday 24 May, 2018.
No burning is permitted and all fires are to be reported to 000.
