Australia: Adverse weather forecast across parts of southern Western Australia and southern South Australia states through at least Aug. 3.

Event

Heavy rainfall and strong winds are forecast across southern Western Australia and southern South Australia states through at least Aug. 3. A strong cold front is forecast to track over southwestern Western Australia Aug. 1 and western South Australia early Aug. 2 before continuing east across the state, reaching the eastern districts later that evening. Additional cold fronts are forecast to track across southern West Australia Aug. 2-3. Heavy rainfall of more than 3 cm (1 inch) per hour is forecast over the coastal areas of Western Australia west of Bremer Bay. Damaging winds are possible over west of Merredin and Bremer Bay Aug. 1, extending further east over southern forecast districts in Western Australia and the western parts of South Australia early Aug. 2 before spreading east across the Eyre Peninsula, Flinders Ranges, and the eastern districts later that afternoon and evening. The winds are forecast to ease briefly in South Australia from the west Aug. 3 before strengthening again late Aug. 3 due to another trough tracking across the Great Australian Bight.

As of Aug. 1, the Australian Bureau of Meteorology (BoM) has issued a severe weather warning for damaging winds and heavy rainfall in parts of Eucla, Central West, Lower West, South West, South Coastal, South East Coastal, Great Southern, Central Wheat Belt, Goldfields, Gascoyne, and South Interior districts of Western Australia. A severe weather warning for damaging winds is in place for most of southern South Australia and for damaging surf for parts of Central West, Lower West, South West, and South Coastal districts in Western Australia. Officials could update and possibly extend the coverage of weather alerts over the coming days.

Hazardous Conditions
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 stormwater drainage systems. Sites located 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 rainfall has saturated the soil.

Authorities could issue mandatory evacuation orders for flood-prone communities over the coming days. Disruptions to electricity and telecommunications services are possible where significant flooding or landslides 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. Flooding downpours could inundate some low-lying roads in areas with poor drainage. Strong winds might also pose a hazard to high-profile vehicles. Hazardous weather conditions might cause flight delays and cancellations at airports in the affected region. Authorities may temporarily suspend port operations along parts of the Pilbara coast if strong winds trigger hazardous sea conditions, impacting freight and passenger maritime traffic.

Advice

Monitor local media for updated emergency and weather information. Seek updated information on weather and road conditions before driving or routing shipments through areas where severe weather is forecast. Plan accordingly for potential delivery delays if routing shipments by truck through the affected area. Do not attempt to drive through flooded areas. Charge battery-powered devices in the case of prolonged electricity outages.

Resources

Australian Bureau of Meteorology (BoM)
Western Australia Department of Fire and Emergency Services (DFES)
Main Roads Western Australia