State Emergency Service (SES) volunteers have answered more than 65 calls for help this morning after thunderstorms hit Perth. The majority of calls have been for flooding. Damage has been reported from Swan to Armadale to Rockingham and Mandurah. The majority of the calls have come from Rockingham and Mandurah. Stoneville Shopping Centre has reported flooding and PCYC in Rockingham has sustained some roof damage.
IF YOUR HOME HAS BEEN DAMAGED:
- Be careful of debris and damaged buildings
- Check on friends and neighbours to see if they need help
- If asbestos has been damaged on your property you should seek professional advice before attempting any repairs or clean up because it could be dangerous
- If your home has structural damage like a badly damaged roof or flooding, call the SES
- Contact your insurance company or property manager to organise permanent repairs
SES volunteers respond on a priority basis and people are asked to remain patient. People are being urged to do what they can to help themselves before calling the SES for assistance.
WHAT SES VOLUNTEERS ARE DOING:
Approximately 50 SES volunteers from eight units are making temporary repairs to homes and sandbagging areas in danger of flooding.
ROAD CLOSURES AND TRAFFIC LIGHT OUTAGES:
Main Roads advises there is significant flooding along the following areas:Roe Highway (both directions) at Berkshire Road, Forrestfield
- Great Eastern Highway (westbound) between Grancey Avenue and Mann Street, Mundaring
Flooding has subsided in the following area:
- Albany Highway (southbound) at Vera Street, Gosnells.
Traffic signals are blacked out in Mandurah, Leeming and South Guildford. Further clarification should be sought from WA Police or Main Roads WA on 138 138. Motorists should drive with caution and expect delays until normal traffic conditions are restored.
POWER:
There are power outages across Perth due to the weather. Call Western Power on 13 13 51 for information.
More dangerous weather coming between Lancelin, Northam, Narrogin and Mandurah, including the Perth metropolitan area.
If you live between Lancelin, Northam, Narrogin and Mandurah, including the coast and Perth metropolitan area you should take action with more dangerous weather to come.
WHAT TO DO:
The SES has these tips to help you and your family stay safe:
- Close your curtains and blinds, and stay inside away from windows
- If caught outside find safe shelter away from trees, powerlines, storm water drains and streams
- Unplug electrical appliances and avoid using landline telephones if there is lightning
- If boating, swimming or surfing leave the water
- 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 driving:
- Slow down, turn your lights on and keep a safe distance from other drivers
- If it is raining heavily and you cannot see, pull over and park with your hazard lights on until the rain clears
- Take care in areas that have been flooded and do not drive into water of unknown depth and current
- If you are in the country be careful driving on gravel roads as surfaces will be slippery and muddy, and vehicles could become bogged
THUNDERSTORM DETAILS:
As at 9.55am on 20 January 2012 the Bureau of Meteorology advises that there is the continuing risk of severe thunderstorms over the area that may cause heavy rainfall conducive to flash flooding as well as damaging winds that could cause damage to homes and property. Hail is also possible. Some severe thunderstorms are currently moving over north-eastern suburbs. Mandurah has received 57.6millimetres since 1am Friday morning.
The rainfall from these storms has been unusually heavy and there is frequent lightning occurring.
IMPORTANT NUMBERS:If the storm has caused damage to your home call the SES on 132 500
- In a life threatening situation call 000
- For information about road conditions contact Main Roads WA on 138 138
- To report downed power lines call Western Power on 13 13 51
- For the latest weather information visit www.bom.gov.au or call 1300 659 213
- For advice on damaged asbestos contact your insurance company, local government environmental health officer or Department of Health on 9388 4999 or after hours on 9328 0553
