12 Sep 2023 | 08:15 AM UTC
Australia: Adverse weather forecast across southwestern Western Australia through at least early Sept. 14
Severe weather forecast across parts of WA, Australia, through early Sept. 14. Possible transport, business, and utility disruptions.
Event
A strong cold front is expected to bring severe weather across southwestern Western Australia through at least early Sept. 14. The front is expected to move eastward across the affected area Sept. 13, bringing very strong winds and possible thunderstorms to the region. Heavy downpours, lightning, and possible hail may accompany storms. Strong winds may cause property damage and power outages. Flash flooding is possible in areas where storms produce periods of intense rainfall.
As of Sept. 12, the Australian Bureau of Meteorology (BOM) has issued a severe weather warning for damaging to locally destructive winds across Goldfields, Central West, Lower West, South West, South Coastal, South East Coastal, Great Southern, and Central Wheat Belt and parts of Gascoyne and Eucla forecast districts. Locations that may be affected include Albany, Bunbury, Esperance, Geraldton, Kalbarri, Kalgoorlie, Katanning, Mandurah, Manjimup, Margaret River, Merredin, Moora, Mount Barker, Mount Magnet, Narrogin, Norseman, Northam, and Perth. Wind gusts of up to 100 kph (62 mph) are possible across the affected area, with localized gusts of up to 125 kph (78 mph) possible during thunderstorms, especially in exposed coastal and nearby inland areas. Gale and strong wind marine wind warnings have been issued for coastal areas of the affected region. Authorities will likely issue new warnings and update or rescind existing advisories as weather conditions change over the coming days.
Hazardous Conditions
Strong winds may cause property damage, down trees and power lines, and lead to flying debris. Heavy rainfall during the passing of the cold front could trigger flooding in low-lying communities near rivers, streams, and creeks. Electricity and telecommunications service disruptions are possible where strong winds impact utility networks.
Transport
The severe weather will likely contribute to transport disruptions throughout the region. Traffic and commercial trucking delays might occur along regional highways. Strong winds might also pose a hazard to high-profile vehicles. Hazardous weather conditions might cause flight delays and cancellations at airports in the region. Authorities may temporarily suspend port operations if strong winds trigger hazardous sea conditions, impacting freight and passenger maritime traffic. Localized business disruptions may occur because of storm damage to facilities, possible evacuations, and employees' inability to reach work sites.
Advice
Monitor local media for weather updates and related advisories. Confirm all transport reservations and business appointments before travel. Make allowances for localized travel delays and potential supply chain disruptions where flooding has been forecast. Do not drive on flooded roads. Charge battery-powered devices in the case of prolonged electricity outages.
