Storms lash the Great Southern

A trail of destruction is beginning to appear across the Great Southern as the region endures a lashing from wild weather.

Storms began yesterday, bringing strong winds of up to 96km/h and and 3mm of rainfall to Albany overnight.

SES were called out to one home on Oxford St in Gledhow where a patio was blown onto the roof of the house.

Meanwhile, Mt Barker police urged motorists to avoid Martagallup Road from Kendenup to Frankland River until further notice with trees and powerlines falling across the road.

DFES issued a severe storm warning this morning with storms set to continue today.

“Northerly winds ahead of the approaching cold front are currently reaching 50 to 60 kilometres per hour over parts of South Coastal district, with damaging gusts to 100 kilometres per hour at times about the South Coastal district and adjacent South West district between Walpole and Bremer Bay,” it reads.

“Winds are expected to ease by during this morning as the front moves eastwards.

“Heavy rainfall is expected with the passage of the front today.”

The front is the first is a series of fronts to cross the region over the weekend and into early next week.

While debris from trees covers the roads in many areas, the wintery weather is being welcomed further inland as farmers receive much needed rainfall at the start of their growing season.

Overnight Mt Barker received 6mm, Lake Grace received 5.6mm, Narrogin received 18mm, Katanning received 15.6mm and Ongerup received 5mm.

Those on the road are warned to drive with caution.

Boat-goers are also warned that large swells are expected across the coming days, with the largest swells expected on Sunday.