Perth and large parts of Western Australia’s south are preparing to batten down the hatches ahead of a severe storm set to pummel the region on the weekend.
Destructive wind gusts of around 125 kilometres an hour and heavy rainfall are expected across the South West land division, beginning on Saturday evening.
Bureau of Meteorology (BOM) forecaster James Ashley described the system as “an unusually strong and intense winter system”.
“Starting from Saturday evening, winds and rainfall will increase significantly around the central west coast, moving southwards and extending eastwards over Sunday and Monday,” he told journalists.
Residents are being warned to prepare for severe weather throughout the weekend. (ABC News: Chris Lewis)
“The system will whip up the ocean with waves reaching up to eight metres offshore.
“That’s likely to cause some beach erosion, particularly around the time of high tides on Sunday and Monday mornings.”
Rainfall of up to 50 millimetres is expected in coastal areas, which will ease as the system moves east, he said.
Residents in Perth are preparing to batten down the hatches ahead of a severe storm. (ABC News: Keane Bourke)
Mr Ashley urged residents to stay up to date with BOM warnings.
“This winter system is unusually strong. It’s the type of system we don’t see very often in the south-west of WA,” he said.
“It’s likely to be the strongest winter system we see this year and maybe the sort of system we only see every four or five years or so.”
Department of Fire and Emergency Services assistant commissioner Paul Carr said those travelling in the region over the long weekend should take precautions.
Steady rain fell on Mount Clarence and Princess Royal Harbour in Albany on Friday, ahead of a severe cold front expected to cross the WA coast. (ABC News: Andrew Chounding)
“We also urge long weekend travellers who may be travelling in areas where there is heavy tree foliage along road verges or camping in areas underneath trees to be wary of the weather coming and take action where needed,” he said.
He said residents in the South-West and Great Southern should lock down loose objects around their homes and trim overhead branches as early as possible.
“Make sure that you have your emergency kits ready,” he said.
“Charge up all your devices before the weather comes in. Get a battery-operated radio, because if the power does go out, you will actually need that to listen to the alerts and warnings.”
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