Source: Bureau of Meteorology

For people in parts of Gascoyne, Central West and Lower West districts.

Issued at 4:14 pm Saturday, 2 March 2024.

Severe storms with damaging wind gusts and heavy rainfall have developed in the Central West and Gascoyne.

Weather Situation: A few severe storms have started up in the Central West and Gascoyne ahead of a potent upper-level trough to the west. Thunderstorms are moving to the south and may persist into the early evening.

Severe thunderstorms are likely to produce damaging winds and heavy rainfall that may lead to flash flooding in the warning area over the next several hours. Locations which may be affected include Moora, Gingin, Lancelin, Morawa, Mullewa and Yalgoo.

A 98 km/h wind gust was recorded at 3:03 pm at Badgingarra Research Station.

A 104 km/h wind gust was recorded at 3:57 pm at Morawa Airport.

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.