Intense storms are lashing the western coast of Australia as an unusually deep low pressure system brings powerful winds and heavy rain. This extreme weather event, typically seen only once every five years, is generating wind gusts of up to 125 km/h in Perth and surrounding communities along Western Australia's coast.
Widespread Destruction Captured on Social Media
Images of widespread destruction have flooded social media, including one showing a shed seemingly tossed into a swimming pool in Mandurah on the southwest coast. The Western Australia Department of Fire and Emergency Services issued an alert on Sunday afternoon, urging residents to 'act now and stay safe, with damaging to destructive winds expected this afternoon and evening.' They warned that 'rarely experienced winds may bring down trees, branches and powerlines and loose items or debris may become airborne.'
Power Outages and Affected Areas
Electricity supplier Western Power reported that more than 28,000 customers are experiencing blackouts. Affected areas include Perth, Donnybrook, Balingup, Bunbury, Augusta, Yanchep, Langford, Ferndale, Hamilton Hill, Gosnells, and Stoneville. As of writing, the worst of the strong winds were yet to hit, and residents in affected areas were warned to prepare to shelter by Emergency WA at 3.16pm AWST.
Winds Intensifying Through the Evening
High tides across southwest WA were set to ease, but Bureau of Meteorology's Joey Rawson told Perth Now that the most damaging winds would arrive later Sunday evening. 'These exceptionally windy conditions are unfortunately not going to go away, and they're actually going to increase as we move towards the evening,' he said. 'Places along the west coast south of Lancelin and all the way around to Albany are going to get winds strengthening. We could possibly see wind gusts of around 120kph to 130kph as we progress into the evening.'
Wind gusts of 117 km/h were recorded at Cape Leeuwin in the morning, while 104 km/h gusts were marked at Cape Naturaliste. The deep low pressure system brought high tides and eight-metre waves, while flooding in Perth's CBD stranded cars and submerged walkways.
Damage and Safety Warnings
Devastating photos showed boats being damaged in marinas, damaged electric wiring sparking in floodwater, and flooded tides almost lapping the windows of the beloved Blue Boat House. Residents were urged to close their curtains and remain inside away from windows as the system approached the state's southwest in the morning. 'When those strong winds are coming through, make sure you stay inside and just stay off the roads, in case of fallen power lines or trees,' officials advised.
Football fans attending the West Coast Eagles versus Essendon match at Optus Stadium were also urged to plan ahead. 'This situation definitely doesn't happen every year and the wind is going to be the worst hazard,' Mr Huntington said.
Missing Child Found Safe
A major police search earlier wrapped up when an 11-year-old autistic, non-verbal boy was found safe after going missing overnight in Perth's western suburbs during the wild weather. The boy had been missing for almost eight hours, with police and State Emergency Service volunteers on foot and on horseback helping to locate him.
Heavy Rain and Future Outlook
Several WA towns recorded heavy rain as the weather system moved through, with Ludlow, about 200 km south of Perth, copping 43 mm in two hours on Saturday night. The cold front and low-pressure systems are expected to sweep across western parts of South Australia during Monday, bringing rain and wind gusts of up to 100 km/h before moving across the Adelaide region later in the day. Severe weather warnings have been issued for SA's coastal regions, the mid-north, and the southeast.
