Source: Bureau of Meteorology

For people in parts of Goldfields and Gascoyne districts.

Issued at 5:02 pm Saturday, 17 January 2026.

Severe thunderstorms with damaging wind gusts continue to move east through the central parts of WA

Weather Situation: A hot airmass combines with moisture aloft to produce high-based thunderstorms along a trough of low-pressure through the Goldfields. Lines and clusters of severe thunderstorms are moving quickly to the east and will likely continue for the remainder of the afternoon and 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 Leinster, Leonora and Menzies.

Severe thunderstorms are no longer occurring in the Eucla and South East Coastal districts and the warning for these districts is CANCELLED.

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.