Source: Bureau of Meteorology

For people in parts of Northern Goldfields and Upper Flinders, North West, Central Highlands and Coalfields and Central West Forecast Districts.

Issued at 7:11 pm Wednesday, 15 January 2025.

Severe thunderstorms have developed west of Taroom.

Weather Situation: Thunderstorms have developed in a hot unstable airmass along a dryline in the interior.

Severe thunderstorms are likely to produce damaging winds, large hailstones and heavy rainfall that may lead to flash flooding over the next several hours in parts of the Central Highlands and Coalfields district. Locations which may be affected include Taroom.

Severe thunderstorms are likely to produce damaging winds over the next several hours in parts of the Northern Goldfields and Upper Flinders, North West and Central West districts. Locations which may be affected include Mckinlay.

98 km/h wind gust was recorded at Winton Airport at 4:14 pm.

Emergency services advise people to:
* Park your car undercover away from trees.
* Close doors and windows.
* Keep asthma medications close by. Storms and wind can trigger asthma attacks.
* Charge mobile phones and power banks in case the power goes out.
* Put your pets somewhere safe and make sure they can be identified in case they get lost.
* Do not drive now unless you have to because conditions are dangerous.
* Tell friends, family and neighbours in the area.
* Go inside a strong building now. Stay inside until the storm has passed.