Severe weather warning: Mandurah residents warned of damaging winds up to 100km/h

MANDURAH residents are being warned severe weather conditions, including winds of up to 100km/h, could swamp local areas from late this morning .

The Bureau of Meteorology (BoM) issued a weather warning today confirming a developing strong cold front and low may produce severe weather conditions across the southwest from today through to early Thursday morning.

The worst weather is expected to hit from Mandurah to Walpole.

According to BoM, a strong cold front and deep low may produce winds that could result in damage to homes and property.

Thunderstorms and small hail are also possible.

Tides between Mandurah and Walpole are likely to rise above the normal mark this morning, with very rough seas and potential flooding of low-lying coastal areas.DFES said locations which may be affected include Mandurah, Margaret River, Albany, Bunbury and other southern suburbs.

DFES advises residents to take precautions:

• If outside find safe shelter away from trees, powerlines, storm water drains and streams.
• Close your curtains and blinds, and stay inside away from windows.
• Unplug electrical appliances and avoid using landline telephones if there is lightning.
• If there is flooding, create your own sandbags by using pillow cases filled with sand and place them around doorways to protect your home.
• If boating, swimming or surfing leave the water.

If you’re driving in severe weather conditions:

• Do not drive into water of unknown depth and current.
• Slow down, turn your lights on and keep a safe distance from other drivers.
• Be alert and watch for hazards on the road such as fallen powerlines and loose debris.
• If it is raining heavily and you cannot see, pull over and park with your hazard lights on until the rain clears.
• Take care in areas that have been flooded and be careful driving on gravel roads as surfaces will be slippery and muddy, and vehicles could become bogged.
• People are being urged to do what they can to help themselves, if it is safe to do so, before calling the SES for assistance.

If your home has been badly damaged by a storm, call the SES on 132 500.

In a life-threatening situationm call 000.