Source: Bureau of Meteorology

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

Issued at 10:59 am Saturday, 23 May 2020.

Widespread severe weather likely over western parts of WA with dangerous weather in some parts.

Weather Situation:
A tropical system will combine with a cold front to produce a vigorous trough extending the length of the west coast. A deep low pressure system is expected to pass near the South West of the state Sunday night, while it is possible other lows may form along the trough as it impacts western parts of WA. Widespread severe weather is expected from Sunday morning. Dangerous weather may occur in some parts, particularly in the vicinity of the lows.

WIDESPREAD DAMAGING WINDS, averaging 60 to 70 km/h with peak gusts to around 100 km/h are likely and could cause DAMAGE TO HOMES AND PROPERTY. DAMAGING WINDS are forecast to develop in coastal areas between Onslow and Kalbarri, including Exmouth, Carnarvon and Denham, from early Sunday morning. DAMAGING WINDS will extend to southwest of a line from Onslow to Meekatharra to Kalgoorlie to Esperance, including Geraldton, the Perth Metropolitan area, Mandurah, Bunbury, Busselton and Albany during Sunday afternoon and evening.

Locally DANGEROUS WINDS, averaging 80 to 90 km/h with peak gusts of around 130 km/h are possible near the low pressure systems during Sunday afternoon and overnight. DANGEROUS WINDS could cause SIGNIFICANT DAMAGE OR DESTRUCTION TO HOMES AND PROPERTY.

Winds are expected to ease across the Pilbara and Gascoyne overnight Sunday night and through the South West Land Division during Monday.

HEAVY RAINFALL that may lead to FLASH FLOODING is possible northwest of a line from Kalbarri to Onslow during Sunday with isolated rainfall totals to around 100mm. HEAVY RAINFALL may also occur southwest of a line from Kalbarri to Albany from Sunday afternoon with isolated rainfall totals to around 70mm.

Residents in coastal areas between Exmouth and Augusta are specifically warned of the POTENTIAL OF A DANGEROUS STORM TIDE. Tides are likely to rise SIGNIFICANTLY ABOVE THE NORMAL HIGH TIDE MARK with DAMAGING WAVES and DANGEROUS FLOODING.

DAMAGING SURF CONDITIONS are likely which could cause SIGNIFICANT BEACH EROSION.

Locations which may be affected include Albany, Bunbury, Busselton, Carnarvon, Esperance, Exmouth, Geraldton, Kalbarri, Kalgoorlie, Katanning, Mandurah, Manjimup, Margaret River, Meekatharra, Merredin, Moora, Mount Barker, Mount Magnet, Narrogin, Norseman, Northam, Onslow and Perth.

This is a rare event for WA particularly due to the extent of the area affected and the possibility of multiple areas of dangerous weather.

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.