Source: Bureau of Meteorology

For people in parts of South West, South Coastal and South East Coastal districts.

Issued at 5:04 pm Thursday, 18 July 2024.
Damaging winds expected about southern coasts tonight and Friday morning.

Weather Situation: A trough approaches the southwest of the state, bringing scattered showers and isolated thunderstorms during the evening. The trough will progress eastwards early on Friday to affect other exposed areas along the Esperance coastline, before moving into the Bight later in the day.

West to southwesterly DAMAGING WINDS averaging 60 to 70 kmh with peak gusts to 100 km/h are likely to develop about coastal areas in the South West District this evening, particularly in showers and thunderstorms. This will extend east to include parts of the South Coastal and South East Coastal districts early on Friday morning.

Winds are expected to ease from the west, initially about coastal areas west of Bremer Bay before sunrise on Friday and then easing along the Esperance coast later in the morning.
This is typical weather for this time of year.
Locations which may be affected include Albany, Esperance, Margaret River, Dunsborough, Hopetoun and Walpole.

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 boating, swimming or surfing leave the water.
* Be alert and watch for hazards on the road such as fallen power lines and loose debris.
* Keep away from flooded drains, rivers, streams and waterways.
* Be careful of fallen trees, damaged buildings and debris.
* Be careful of fallen power lines. They are dangerous and should always be treated as live.
* Assess your home, car and property for damage.
* If damage has occurred take photos and contact your insurance company to organise permanent repairs.
* If your home or property has significant damage, like a badly damaged roof or flooding, call the SES on 132 500.