A warning has been issued for the Great Southern and Central Wheat Belt with residents advised to take action and stay safe with severe weather to come.
Locations which may be affected include Merredin, Moora, and Northam.
This is unusual weather that is likely to cause damage to homes and make travel dangerous.
This front is expected to be windier than a typical front and affect a larger area.
There has been reported power outages in Calingiri with 68 affected customers with power estimated to be restored by 9am today, and 18 affected customers in Goomalling with plans of being restored by 10am.
A warning has also been given to sheep graziers in the area due to cold temperatures.
The Bureau of Meteorology said rain, showers and strong northerly winds could see a risk of loss of lambs and sheep exposed to those conditions.
WHAT TO DO:
DFES advises you to:
- If outside find safe shelter away from trees, powerlines, storm water drains and streams.
- Close your curtains and blinds, and stay inside away from windows.
- Unplug electrical appliances and avoid using landline telephones if there is lightning.
- If there is flooding, create your own sandbags by using pillow cases filled with sand and place them around doorways to protect your home.
- If boating, swimming or surfing leave the water.
IF DRIVING:
- Do not drive into water of unknown depth and current.
- Slow down, turn your lights on and keep a safe distance from other drivers.
- Be alert and watch for hazards on the road such as fallen powerlines and loose debris.
- If it is raining heavily and you cannot see, pull over and park with your hazard lights on until the rain clears.
- Take care in areas that have been flooded and be careful driving on gravel roads as surfaces will be slippery and muddy, and vehicles could become bogged.
- People are being urged to do what they can to help themselves, if it is safe to do so, before calling the SES for assistance
WEATHER DETAILS:
At 05/06/2018 04:14:00 the Bureau of Meteorology advised a strengthening northerly flow ahead of a strong cold front will cause damaging winds and abnormally high tides ahead of a strong cold front that will move through during Tuesday.
The threat of damaging winds will extend east during Tuesday to include the southern Gascoyne, Goldfields and central and eastern parts of the Southwest Land Division.
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 by calling Main Roads WA on 138 138 or visiting www.mainroads.wa.gov.au or by contacting your local Shire.
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.