Source: Bureau of Meteorology

For people in parts of Lower West, South West and Great Southern districts.

Issued at 11:47 am Thursday, 2 May 2024.

Severe thunderstorms with INTENSE RAINFALL north of Bunbury likely.

Weather Situation: A trough ahead of an approaching cold front is generating a line of severe thunderstorms which is moving north along the southwest coast over the next few hours.

VERY DANGEROUS THUNDERSTORMS are likely to produce heavy, locally intense rainfall that may lead to dangerous and life-threatening flash flooding, large hailstones and damaging winds over the next several hours in parts of the South West district. Locations which may be affected include Harvey.

Severe thunderstorms are likely to produce heavy rainfall that may lead to flash flooding, large hailstones and damaging winds over the next several hours in parts of the Lower West, South West and Great Southern districts. Locations which may be affected include Collie and areas north of Bunbury.

64.6 mm was recorded in the 2 hours to 7:50am at Wilydowns.

55.8 mm was recorded in the 2 hours to 8am at Harman South Road.

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.