The Bureau of Meteorology has issued a severe weather warning for people in parts of WA southwest of a line from Kalbarri to Morawa to Dwellingup to Windy Harbour. This includes people in, near or between the following towns: Geraldton, Northampton, Jurien Bay, Mandurah, Bunbury, Bussleton, Margaret River and Bridgetown and the Perth Metropolitan area.

Weather Situation

A strong cold front will move over the southwest of Western Australia during Tuesday and is expected to bring thunderstorms, gusty winds and a period of heavy rainfall to western parts of the South West Land Division. The leading edge of the cold front is expected to lie near the Southwest Capes near 8.00am Tuesday morning, moving through the metropolitan area late morning and to northern and eastern parts of the warning area early afternoon. The strongest wind gusts are likely to be on the leading edge of the cold front, with heavy falls on and to the west of the cold front.

Showers and thunderstorms with peak gusts around 125 km/h are forecast for the Lower West forecast district and parts of the Central West and South West forecast districts.

Abnormally high tides which may cause sea water flooding of low lying areas are forecast for the Central West and Lower West forecast districts and parts of the South West forecast district.

This is typical weather for this time of the year but winds may cause damage to property and make road conditions hazardous.

The Department of Fire and Emergency Services advises that people should:

Store or weigh down loose objects such as outdoor furniture.
Have an emergency kit with a battery operated radio, torch, spare batteries and first aid kit.
Ensure pets and animals are in a safe area.
Move vehicles under cover.
Boat owners should securely moor their boats.
Campers should find shelter away from trees, power lines, storm water drains and streams.

If your home or property has significant damage, like a badly damaged roof or flooding, call the SES on 132 500.