Strong cold front brings wild winds

The Department of Fire and Emergency Services is warning South West residents to prepare for strong winds and heavy rainfall when an expected cold front hits the region this afternoon.

WA Bureau of Meteorology duty forecaster Noel Puzey said it was not unusual to expect weather warnings at this time of the year.

“We have strong northerly winds expected today with a strong cold front moving through much of the western half of the State,” he said.

“Most of the weather from the South West corner will be from 5pm-6pm today through to 2am-3am in the morning.

“There is a possibility of some heavy rainfalls through there but the main thing will be very gusty northerly winds leading into the front as it moves through with the possibility of some thunderstorm activity.

“Wind gusts are possible of up to 125km/h as well.”

Mr Puzey said it was the first decent front of the autumn/winter season for the region.

“There could be isolated rainfall of up to 70mm in the area but more likely it will be around the 20mm-30mm range,” he said.

“It will be good for the farmers further inland and we are also expecting another low in the wake of the front along the south coast on Friday.

“The wind strength for that should peak around Friday night and then into Saturday morning.”

If your home has been badly damaged by a storm, call the SES on 132 500 or if you are in a life-threatening situation call 000.

To keep up to date visit www.emergency.wa.gov.au.