Severe Weather Warning

The Bureau of Meteorology (BOM) has issued a severe weather warning for today, Friday 4 October with damaging winds expected in lower west and parts of central west, great southern and central wheat belt districts - including the Perth metropolitan area.

A low pressure system is likely to cause extended periods of damaging winds averaging 60 to 70 kilometres per hour with gusts to 100 kilometres per hour which could cause damage to homes and property. Winds will begin to ease later in the afternoon.

This weather is unusual for this time of the year; this low is likely to be windier than a typical winter system and may cause damage to property and make road conditions hazardous.

The Department of Fire and Emergency Services 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.
• keep away from flooded drains, rivers, streams and waterways
• 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
• assess your home, car and property for damage
• if damage has occurred take photos and contact your insurance company to organise permanent repairs
• if your home or property has significant damage, like a badly damaged roof or flooding, call the ses on 132 500.

For up to date information on the warnings, please go to http://www.bom.gov.au/wa/warnings/ or https://www.emergency.wa.gov.au/.