The following alert has been issued by the Department of Fire and Emergency Services (DFES).
Time of issue: 3.15pm
Date of issue: 16 January 2013
Take action with the start of thunderstorms between Ravensthorpe to Mount Augustus to Israelite Bay. If you live between Ravensthorpe to Youanmi to Mount Augustus to Three Rivers to Leonora to Israelite Bay you should take action and stay safe with the start of thunderstorms. This includes people in, near and between Esperance, Kalgoorlie and Meekatharra and surrounding areas.
This is not unusual weather for this time of year but could damage homes and make travel dangerous.
Areas that were affected by the storm yesterday evening may be impacted again today.
WHAT TO DO:
State Emergency Service (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 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
Do not drive into water of unknown depth and current
Be careful driving on gravel roads as surfaces will be slippery and muddy and vehicles could become bogged.
THUNDERSTORM DETAILS:
As at 2.51pm on 16 January 2013 the Bureau of Meteorology advises there is a risk of severe theunderstorms developing this afternoon and evening.
Storms may be accompanied by damaging winds, large hail and heavy rainfall that may lead to flash flooding.
IMPORTANT NUMBERS:
- If your home has been badly damaged by a storm call the SES on 132 500
- In a life threatening situation call 000
- For the latest weather information visit www.bom.gov.au or call 1300 659 213.
After a storm SES volunteers make temporary repairs to homes that have been badly damaged, such as roofs that have been ripped off or large fallen trees on homes and cars. Please contact your insurance company to organise permanent repairs.
KEEP UP TO DATE:
Call 1300 657 209, visit www.dfes.wa.gov.au or listen to news bulletins.
