Emergency services responds after thunderstorm hits Perth metropolitan and South West regions
More than 30 State Emergency Service (SES) Volunteers from Bunbury, Australind and Harvey units have worked tirelessly to help the community after a bad thunderstorm hit the south west region. Damage was reported from the Perth metropoitan region to Bunbury, Augusta and Margaret River, with 58 calls for help since yesterday late evening. Carey Park in Bunbury was worst hit with 32 calls for help. The majority of calls have involved minor damage to homes and roofs and fallen trees. As at 5.29am Monday 18 August 2014 the Bureau of Meteorology advises the severe thunderstorm warning for people in parts of WA bounded by a line from Morawa to Merredin to Mount Barker to Dwellingup to Gingin to Morawa are advised that the Severe Thunderstorm Warning has been CANCELLED.
WHAT TO DO:
Now the thunderstorm has passed DFES advises you to:
- Keep away from flooded drains, rivers, streams and waterways
- Be careful of fallen trees, damaged buildings and debris Keep clear of fallen powerlines, 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.
- People are being urged to do what they can to help themselves, if it is safe to do so, before calling the SES for assistance.
ROAD CLOSURES
Take extra care on the roads and do not drive into water of unknown depth and current. Road information may also be available by calling Main Roads WA on 138 138 or visiting http://www.mainroads.wa.gov.au/
THUNDERSTORM DETAILS:
As at 5.29am Monday 18 August 2014 the Bureau of Meteorology advices the Severe Thunderstorm Warning for the Central West, Lower West, South Coastal, Great Southern and Central Wheat Belt forecast districts has been cancelled. Although thunderstorms will continue through this area today, they are no longer expected to be severe.
The following wind gusts were recorded on Sunday evening:
- 120 kilometres per hour at Busselton Jetty at 7:29 pm.
- 106 kilometres per hour at Ocean Reef at 10:00 pm.
- 104 kilometres per hour at Rottnest Island at 10:00 pm.
- 100 kilometres per hour at Cape Naturaliste at 5:29 pm.
WHAT SES VOLUNTEERS ARE DOING:
SES Volunteers are continuing to work through the day to help the community with temporary repairs to homes and fixing minor roof damage.
IMPORTANT NUMBERS:
- If your home has been badly damaged by the storm call the SES on 132 500
- In a life threatening situation call 000
- For the latest weather information visit http://www.bom.gov.au/ or call 1300 659 213
Information about road conditions may be available from Main Roads WA on 138 138 or http://www.mainroads.wa.gov.au/
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.
