Batten down the hatches: Severe weather warning issued

Wednesday, 1 August 2018 11:11

By Taylah Strano

Mandurah is expected to cop heavy rain and possibly hail this afternoon.

The Bureau of Meteorology is warning residents to prepare for more wild weather, expected to hit Mandurah and the Peel Region on Wednesday afternoon.

A cold south-westerly airstream behind the front is expected to produce a large area of squally showers, thunderstorms and small hail.

Damaging winds up to 100 kilometres per hour which could result in damage to homes and properties, with Mandurah already recording wind gusts of 76km/h overnight.

Surfers and beachgoers are also being warned of abnormally high tides.

A Flood Watch is current for the Lower West and South West Districts, and a Warning to Sheep Graziers is current for the entire South West Land Division.

Locations which may be affected include Albany, Bunbury, Busselton, Collie, Geraldton, Kalbarri, Katanning, Mandurah, Manjimup, Margaret River, Merredin, Moora, Mount Barker, Narrogin, Northam and Perth.

People in the southwest of WA experience a front as windy as this about five times per year, however it is less common for severe weather conditions to extend as far north as Kalbarri and as far inland as Beacon and Merredin.

The Department of Fire and Emergency Services said residents should prepare for the rain and wind to hit.

The department said if people are outside they should take cover away from trees and powerlines. Homeowners should also stay inside away from windows, unplug electrical appliance and refrain from using landline phones if there is lightning.

MANDURAH FORECAST

Thursday August 2 Min 8, Max 16. Possible early storm. Showers. 4 to 6mm

Friday August 3 Min 13, Max 17. Showers increasing, windy. 8 to 20mm

Saturday August 4 Min 10, Max 15. Possible early storm. Showers. 1 to 2mm

Sunday August 5 Min 9, Max 15. Cloudy. 0mm

Monday August 6 Min 8, Max 16. Cloudy. 0 to 0.2mm

Tuesday August 7 Min 11, Max 18. Possible shower. 0 to 1mm