Forecast

Australian Government Bureau of Meteorology
TOP PRIORITY FOR IMMEDIATE BROADCAST

Severe Weather Warning
for Heavy Rainfall

for Central West and parts of Lower West, Great Southern, Central Wheat Belt and Gascoyne districts.

Issued at 3:42 am Tuesday, 16 August 2022.

Heavy rainfall easing during Tuesday morning

Weather Situation
A front and associated rain band is moving across the west of the state and will progress eastwards during Tuesday. Moisture from a northerly airstream ahead of the front is allowing the development of thunderstorms and heavier showers within the main rain band, which is producing heavy rainfall.
HEAVY RAINFALL for the following areas:
Gascoyne, Central West, Lower West, Great Southern and Central Wheat Belt
HEAVY RAINFALL which may lead to FLASH FLOODING has developed within the warning area. One-hourly rainfall totals of 25mm are possible, with six-hourly rainfall totals of up to 60mm.
INTENSE RAINFALL is no longer expected.
Rainfall is expected to ease below severe thresholds during Tuesday morning.
Locations which may be affected include Geraldton, Merredin, Moora, Northam, Northampton and Wongan Hills.
Significant observations include:
49.6mm at Badgingarra in the 2 hours till 12:30am.
34.6mm at Moora in the 2 hours till 12:15am.
48.2mm at Wicka in the 6 hours till 12:00am

The Department of Fire and Emergency Services advises that people should:
* If outside find safe shelter away from trees, power lines, storm water drains and streams.
* Close your curtains and blinds, and stay inside away from windows.
* Unplug electrical appliances and do not use land line telephones if there is lightning.
* If boating, swimming or surfing leave the water.
* Be alert and watch for hazards on the road such as fallen power lines and loose debris.
* Keep away from flooded drains, rivers, streams and waterways.
* Be careful of fallen trees, damaged buildings and debris.
* Be careful of fallen power lines. They are dangerous and should always be treated as live.
* Assess your home, car and property for damage.
* If damage has occurred take photos and contact your insurance company to organise permanent repairs.
* If your home or property has significant damage, like a badly damaged roof or flooding, call the SES on 132 500.

The next Severe Weather Warning will be issued by 11:00 am AWST Tuesday.
Warnings are also available through TV and Radio broadcasts, the Bureau's website at www.bom.gov.au or call 1300 659 210. The Bureau and Department of Fire and Emergency Services would appreciate warnings being broadcast regularly.