Source: Bureau of Meteorology

For people in parts of Pilbara and Gascoyne districts.

Issued at 5:06 pm Saturday, 22 February 2025.

Severe storms may produce damaging wind gusts over the inland Pilbara and northern Gascoyne.

Weather Situation: A hot and unstable atmosphere around a surface trough over the inland Pilbara and northern Gascoyne has caused severe thunderstorms to develop this afternoon. Storms are likely to persist throughout the afternoon and into the early evening.

Severe thunderstorms are likely to produce damaging winds in the warning area over the next several hours. Locations which may be affected include Paraburdoo, Tom Price, Mount Augustus, Nanutarra and Pannawonica.

A 90 km/h wind gust was observed at Eliwana Airport at 4:54 pm.

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 there is flooding, create your own sandbags by using pillow cases filled with sand and place them around doorways to protect your home.
* If boating, swimming or surfing leave the water.
* Do not drive into water of unknown depth and current.
* Slow down and turn your headlights on.
* Be alert and watch for hazards on the road such as fallen power lines and loose debris.
* If it is raining heavily and you cannot see, pull over and park with your hazard lights on until the rain clears.