Source: Bureau of Meteorology

For people in parts of Central West and Gascoyne districts.

Issued at 8:16 am Thursday, 26 March 2026.

Local damaging winds and heavy rainfall about the central west.

Weather Situation: Slow moving thunderstorms are developing in a very moist airmass along a trough over the central west of WA. these storms may bring strong winds aloft down to the surface as damaging wind gusts, and localised heavy rainfall.

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 Geraldton, Mullewa and Northampton.

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.