Australia: Weather warnings issued for Western Australia (WA) state May 24-25

Event

The Australian Bureau of Meteorology (BoM) has issued several weather warnings for part of Western Australia (WA) state for Sunday, May 24, through Monday, May 25. According to BoM forecasts, a vigorous weather system with severe winds, heavy rainfall, and high tides will affect the length of the west coast, including Gascoyne, Central West, Lower West, South West, South Coastal, South East Coastal, Great Southern, Central Wheat Belt and parts of Pilbara and Goldfields districts. The heavy rain may also lead to flash flooding. Widespread damaging winds averaging around 60-70kph (37-43 mph) with gusts up to 100kph (62 mph) are likely and could cause damage to homes and properties. Dangerous winds averaging 80-90kph (49-55mph) with gusts up to 130kph (80mph) are also possible along the west coast north of Jurien Bay during Sunday afternoon (local time) as well as between Perth and Bremer Bay on Monday morning.

Associated flooding and landslides, as well as transportation, business, power, and communication service disruptions, are to be expected over the coming hours and days. 

Advice

Individuals in affected areas are advised to monitor local weather reports, avoid areas directly affected by flooding, confirm road conditions and flight reservations before setting out, anticipate transportation and business disruptions, and adhere to instructions issued by local authorities. Avoid walking or driving through floodwaters; 15 cm (6 in) of running water is enough to knock over an adult.