Source: Bureau of Meteorology

For people in Central Wheat Belt and parts of Gascoyne, Goldfields, Central West, Lower West and Great Southern districts.

Issued at 11:27 am Wednesday, 3 March 2021.
Severe thunderstorms producing heavy rainfall, with a chance of damaging winds and large hailstones.

Weather Situation: At 11:00 am WST radar imagery showed an area of heavy rainfall extending from Dalwallinu to York and moving south. Thunderstorms are expected to become more frequent across the warning area over the next few hours.

Severe thunderstorms are likely to produce HEAVY RAINFALL that may lead to DANGEROUS FLASH FLOODING in the warning area over the next several hours. There is also a risk that storms developing this afternoon may produce DAMAGING WINDS and LARGE HAILSTONES.
Locations which may be affected include Meekatharra, Merredin, Mount Magnet, Northam, Wongan Hills, Narrogin and Yalgoo.
Storms could be more intense than usual, with rainfall rates that are higher than typically seen at this time of year. Storms could cause DAMAGE TO HOMES AND PROPERTY.
Since 9:00 am Wednesday morning the following rainfall totals have been recorded:
- Northam: 40mm
- Long Forest: 31mm
- Wongan Hills: 31mm

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 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.
* Do not drive into water of unknown depth and current.
* Slow down and turn your headlights on.
* Be alert and watch for hazards on the road such as fallen power lines 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.