The following alert has been issued by the Department of Fire and Emergency Services (DFES).

Time of issue: 3.40pm
Date of issue: 26 March 2015

Continue to take action with severe thunderstorms west of a line from Paynes Find to Mount Augustus

If you live west of a line from Paynes Find to Mount Augustus you should take action and stay safe with continuing severe thunderstorms.

This includes people in and near Geraldton and Northampton. This does not include Kalbarri, Denham, Carnarvon, Cape Cuvier and Coral Bay, however non severe thunderstorms are still possible.

This is not unusual weather for this time of year but could damage homes and make travel dangerous.

WHAT TO DO:
DFES has these tips to help you and your family stay safe:

Close your curtains and blinds, and stay inside away from windows.
Unplug electrical appliances and avoid using landline telephones if there is lightning.
If caught outside find safe shelter away from trees, powerlines, storm water drains and streams.
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 DRIVING:

Do not drive into water of unknown depth and current.
Slow down, turn your lights on and keep a safe distance from other drivers.
Be alert and watch for hazards on the road such as fallen powerlines 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.
Be careful driving on gravel roads as surfaces will be slippery and muddy and vehicles could become bogged.

THUNDERSTORM DETAILS:
As at 3.35pm on 26 March the Bureau of Meteorology advises that there is a risk of severe thunderstorms this afternoon and evening. At 3:20pm radar and satellite imagery showed thunderstorms in parts of the warning area.

A severe thunderstorm about 30km north of Geraldton (just south of Horrocks) is moving to the south and is expected to move over Geraldton between 3:40pm and 4:30pm.

The warning does not cover coastal locations north of Kalbarri, however non severe thunderstorms are still possible.

Storms may be accompanied by damaging winds, large hail and heavy rainfall which may lead to flash flooding. Storms could cause significant damage to homes and property.

IMPORTANT NUMBERS:

If your home has been badly damaged by a storm call the SES on 132 500.
In a life threatening situation call 000.
For the latest weather information visit www.bom.gov.au or call 1300 659 213.

After a storm State Emergency Service (SES)volunteers make temporary repairs to homes that have been badly damaged, such as roofs that have been ripped off or large fallen trees on homes and cars. Please contact your insurance company to organise permanent repairs.

KEEP UP TO DATE:
Visit www.dfes.wa.gov.au , call 13 DFES (13 3337), follow DFES on Twitter @dfes_wa or listen to news bulletins.