BOM’s Warning Comes True: Perth and South West WA Under Siege from Raging Wild Weather

Wild weather lashes Perth and WA’s South West as residents report widespread damage

Introduction

Perth and the South West region of Western Australia are currently grappling with the aftermath of a severe weather system that brought heavy rain and destructive winds. Residents in Perth‘s south have described their shock as a “little tornado” tore through their suburb, leaving a trail of widespread damage in its wake. Roofs have been ripped off, trees have been felled, and residents have reported injuries and damage to their properties.

The Impact

The worst affected areas are in the state’s south, with Busselton Airport recording 91 millimetres of rain and Pemberton recording 50 millimetres. These heavy downpours, coupled with strong winds, have resulted in roofs being ripped off, debris flying through the air, and trees being uprooted. Rockingham, a suburb of Perth, was one of the worst hit areas, with residents describing the storm as sounding “like a freight train” and causing significant damage to their homes.

“A Massive Gust of Wind”

Rockingham resident Amanda McCue described the moment the storm hit as a “massive gust of wind” that lifted her patio roof “like a tin can.” She took immediate action to protect her two young children, rushing them into a wardrobe for safety. Other residents in Rockingham reported similar experiences, with roofs being damaged, fences being torn down, and trees being uprooted.

The Response

The Department of Fire and Emergency Services (DFES) has received over 100 calls for assistance, with the majority coming from the metropolitan area, particularly Rockingham. The requests for assistance range from roof tiles being blown off and water coming through windows and light fixtures to fallen trees and blocked driveways. DFES assistant commissioner Peter Sutton has urged residents to exercise caution and to report any damage or safety concerns.

Power Outages and Disruption

More than 20,000 households across the state were reported to be without power during the peak of the storm, with some areas experiencing emergency outages due to fallen trees on power lines. The loss of power has affected both residential areas and local businesses, with some shops forced to close and services disrupted. The Busselton Jetty, a popular tourist attraction, was closed due to the extreme weather.

Road Closures and Flooding

The heavy rain and fallen trees have caused havoc on the roads, with Main Roads issuing warnings for motorists to exercise extreme caution at several locations across the metropolitan area. In Busselton, the roundabout outside Aldi on West Street has flooded, creating a traffic hazard. The City of Busselton has also reported minor damage to properties, including ceiling leaks and damage to roof tiles.

Forecast and Conclusion

The Bureau of Meteorology (BOM) has cancelled severe thunderstorm warnings in the metropolitan area and south west, but a severe weather warning for damaging to locally destructive winds remains in place for WA’s south west. BOM has warned that more intense thunderstorms are possible, posing a risk for locally destructive wind gusts. It is estimated that the storm front measures almost 800 km wide, equivalent to the size of New South Wales.

With the rain expected to continue into Wednesday afternoon, residents are advised to take necessary precautions and report any damage or safety concerns to the relevant authorities. As the storm front gradually diminishes, conditions are expected to ease quickly on Thursday, with mild weather predicted for the coming days.

Overall, this wild weather event serves as a reminder of the unpredictable nature of the Australian climate and the importance of being prepared for severe weather events. The resilience of the affected communities and the prompt response by emergency services are commendable, but it is crucial for residents to remain vigilant and take appropriate measures to ensure their safety and the safety of their properties.