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Perth weather: Massive storm drenches metropolitan area amid warnings of huge wind gusts

Troy de RuyterThe West Australian
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A huge storm  is making its way across Perth, causing thunder and lightning.
Camera IconA huge storm is making its way across Perth, causing thunder and lightning. Credit: Michael Wilson/The West Australian

Perth has woken to heavy rain and thunder and lightning across the metropolitan area — with warnings of massive wind gusts causing havoc.

The Weather Bureau has issued a severe storm warning covering north to Geraldton and through to the south coast and east to the Goldfields.

It means areas affected include Perth, Bunbury, Katanning, Mt Barker and Albany.

Weather Bureau duty forecaster Joey Rawson said there would be showers throughout the day but the main problem would be massive winds of up to 125km/h.

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Wind gusts of that magnitude only happen about five times a year.

“There’s a pretty intense low pressure that’s moving along the south coast,” he told The West Live.

“What that means for Perth and surrounding areas is showers and thunderstorms moving through.

“And it’s going to be quite windy, especially this afternoon and overnight.

“We could be getting winds in excess of 100km/h through the afternoon and through the night period.

“It’s already quite windy but certainly those winds will pick up. We’ve got a windy afternoon and night ahead of us.”

Mr Rawson said the strength of the cold front was “right up there”.

“As far as the strength of low pressure systems or cold fronts go, this is up there,” he said.

“It’s quite a significant system moving through.

“We’re looking at around 30mm to 60mm of rain in the metro area and when the showers do come through, they’re going to be quite heavy.”

Mr Rawson said there was the chance flash flooding.

“There is definitely the chance of some flash flooding and and the potential chance of damaging winds,” he said.

The bureau has warned of flash flooding for locations south of Jurien Bay, extending from the coast to the Darling Scarp.

Big dumps of rain are expected, with 50mm to 70mm possible.

Mr Rawson said that he expected the storm to have passed sometime on Tuesday.

“By tomorrow, things will be settling down, the winds will be easing and the showers will also be easing,” he said.

Motorists have been warned to take extra care on the roads, with the rain and wind making for dangerous conditions.

It comes after a blanket of what at first glance looks like snow has covered the main street of a tiny Wheatbelt town as severe storms hit Perth and the South West.

Kulin Police tweeted a photo of the main street of the small farming town, with the road outside the post office covered in crushed hail.

The hailstorm was so heavy, it appeared as if snow had fallen in the town.

Kulin, which is a three hour drive from Perth and home to more than 300 people, is usually known for it’s “Tin horse highway” and the Kulin Bush Races.

PERTH WEATHER FORECAST

Monday: Storms, heavy showers, 12-17

Tuesday: Showers easing, 13-21

Wednesday: Possible shower, 11-21

Thursday: Partly cloudy, 9-21

Friday: Partly cloudy, 9-21

Saturday: Possible shower, 9-20

Sunday: Possible shower, 7-19

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