Source: Bureau of Meteorology

For people in Central Wheat Belt and parts of Central West and Gascoyne districts.

Issued at 8:45 pm Wednesday, 16 April 2025.

Severe thunderstorms are occurring in the Central Wheat Belt tonight.

Weather Situation: An upper trough to the west of Western Australia is supporting severe thunderstorms through the Central Wheat Belt this evening.

Severe thunderstorms are likely to produce damaging winds and large hailstones in the warning area over the next several hours. Locations which may be affected include Merredin, Dalwallinu, Dowerin, Paynes Find, Southern Cross and Wongan Hills.

A 98 km/h wind gust was reported at Dalwallinu at 8:32pm.

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.