Source: Bureau of Meteorology

For people in parts of Pilbara, Gascoyne, Goldfields, North Interior, South Interior and Central Wheat Belt districts.

Issued at 5:52 pm Sunday, 8 December 2024.

Severe thunderstorms about inland areas.

Weather Situation: Thunderstorms are triggering across a warm, humid air mass through central Australia.

Severe thunderstorms are likely to produce heavy rainfall that may lead to flash flooding over the next several hours in parts of the Pilbara, Gascoyne, North Interior, South Interior and Goldfields districts. Locations which may be affected include Newman, Carnegie, Jigalong, Parnngurr, Telfer and Three Rivers.

Severe thunderstorms are likely to produce damaging winds, large hailstones and heavy rainfall that may lead to flash flooding over the next several hours in parts of the Goldfields, Gascoyne, South Interior and Central Wheat Belt districts. Locations which may be affected include Kalgoorlie, Laverton, Leinster, Leonora and Menzies.

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.