WA weather: Thunderstorms and destructive wind gusts to hit areas in State’s north

Severe thunderstorms bringing destructive wind gusts are set to roll in to multiple areas across WA on Friday.

In a weather alert issued about 4:33pm, The Bureau of Meteorology warned people in the north-eastern Kimberley and inland Pilbara to prepare for strong winds.

“Thunderstorms developing over the inland Pilbara in a hot and unstable airmass will be capable of producing localised damaging wind gusts,” the warning stated.

“Further north, a line of thunderstorms has been maturing over the northeast Kimberley and appear capable of producing damaging wind gusts.

“Severe thunderstorms are likely to produce damaging winds in the warning area over the next several hours. Locations which may be affected include Kununurra and Wyndham.

“A 119 km/h wind gust was recorded at Eliwana Airport at 3:18 pm.”

People in the affected zones are encouraged to follow The Department of Fire and Emergency Services’ advice below.

• If outside find safe shelter away from trees, power lines, storm water drains and streams.
• Close your curtains and blinds, and stay inside away from windows.
• Unplug electrical appliances and do not use land line 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.
• Do not drive into water of unknown depth and current.
• Slow down and turn your headlights on.
• Be alert and watch for hazards on the road such as fallen power lines 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.

Weather updates can be found here.