Australia: Severe weather forecast over parts of southwestern Western Australia through at least early Aug. 1

Severe weather is forecast across southwestern Western Australia through at least early Aug. 1. A cold front is forecast to bring heavy rainfall, thunderstorms, and strong winds across the affected area. Conditions are expected to ease from the southwest as the front spreads inland and weakens through early Aug. 1. As of July 31, the Australian Bureau of Meteorology (BOM) has issued a severe weather warning for heavy rainfall and damaging winds across South West, Lower West, Central West, and Great Southern districts. Locations that may be affected include Bunbury, Busselton, Mandurah, Manjimup, Margaret River, and Perth. Authorities will likely issue new alerts or update/rescind existing advisories as weather conditions change over the coming hours and days.

Sustained heavy rainfall could trigger flooding in low-lying communities near rivers, streams, and creeks. Urban flooding is also possible in developed areas with easily overwhelmed or a lack of stormwater drainage systems. Sites downstream from large reservoirs or rivers may be subject to flash flooding after relatively short periods of intense rainfall. Landslides are possible in hilly or mountainous areas, especially where heavy rain has saturated the soil.

Floodwaters and debris flows may render further bridges or roadways impassable, impacting overland travel in and around affected areas. Ponding on road surfaces could cause hazardous driving conditions on regional highways. Flooding could block regional rail lines; freight and passenger train delays and cancellations are possible in areas with heavy rainfall and potential track inundation. Severe weather could also trigger flight delays and cancellations at regional airports. Authorities may temporarily suspend port operations if strong winds trigger hazardous sea conditions, impacting freight and passenger maritime traffic.

Localized business disruptions may occur in low-lying areas; some businesses might not operate at full capacity because of flood damage to facilities, possible evacuations, and employees' inability to reach work sites. Electricity and telecommunications service disruptions are possible where significant flooding, strong winds, or landslides impact utility networks.