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Weather alert: Goldfields warning of flash flooding as storms also hit Midwest Gascoyne, Wheatbelt and Perth

Brianna DuganThe West Australian
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Lightning display during Kalgoorlie storms. Geoff Collins
Camera IconLightning display during Kalgoorlie storms. Geoff Collins Credit: Geoff Collins

Severe storms are forecast to hit the Goldfields — with warnings of flash flooding — as well as the Midwest Gascoyne and parts of the Wheatbelt and Perth.

Those living in the Goldfields have been told to batten down, with strong winds of up to 90km/h expected to hit on Wednesday.

The Department of Fire and Emergency Services issued the red alert warnings just after 5am.

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Weather Bureau duty forecaster Jessica Lingard said the storms were caused by a cold front and would hit the Goldfields — east of Kalgoorlie — throughout the day, bringing up to 50mm of rain.

“This is a cold front that went through the metro area yesterday evening,” she said.

“So it’s just moving through the Goldfields.

“It’s going to continue moving to the east throughout the day but we will probably see it clearing this evening. It’s just going to slip to the south-east.

“It will bring damaging winds and heavy rainfall that may lead to flash flooding.”

DFES has advised residents hit by the storms to stay indoors and away from windows, with their curtains and blinds closed.

“If outside find safe shelter away from trees, powerlines, storm water drains and streams,” DFES said in a statement.

“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 boating, swimming or surfing, leave the water.”

Motorists are advised to slow down, turn headlights on and stay a safe distance from other drivers.

“Do not drive into water of unknown depth and current,” DFES said.

“Be alert and watch for hazards on the road such as fallen powerlines and loose debris.

“If it is raining heavily and you cannot see, pull over and park with your hazard lights on until the rain clears.”

Moora, located 177km north of Perth in the Wheatbelt, had 22mm of rain in an hour from 3.08am.

WHAT TO DO

  • If outside find safe shelter away from trees, powerlines, storm water drains and streams.
  • Close your curtains and blinds, and stay inside away from windows.
  • 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 boating, swimming or surfing leave the water.

IF DRIVING

  • Do not drive into water of unknown depth and current.
  • Slow down, turn your lights on and keep a safe distance from other drivers.
  • Be alert and watch for hazards on the road such as fallen powerlines and loose debris.
  • If it is raining heavily and you cannot see, pull over and park with your hazard lights on until the rain clears.

FORECAST FOR PERTH

  • Wednesday: Showers, 13-21
  • Thursday: Showers, 13-21
  • Friday: Partly cloudy, 10-21
  • Saturday: Sunny, 11-23
  • Sunday: Sunny, 11-25
  • Monday: Partly cloudy, 11-23
  • Tuesday: Partly cloudy, 10-22

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