Thousands without power in Perth as destructive storms hit WA | Australia news
Tens of thousands of people were left without power in Perth as the severe storm battered Australia’s west coast, and authorities warned on Sunday morning that the worst was yet to come.
The strong weather event is predicted to bring winds of up to 125 kilometers per hour to Perth and coastal communities across Western Australia.
A shed appears to have been thrown into a swimming pool in Mandurah, in the state’s southwest.
There were widespread power outages in and around Perth, affecting approximately 10,000 customers statewide, according to Western Power.
Most were expected to have power restored by the afternoon.
In the morning, winds of 107 kilometers per hour were recorded at Busselton pier, while winds of 102 kilometers per hour were recorded on Rottnest Island. The severe weather warning issued by the bureau at 11 a.m. AWST said destructive winds in excess of 125 km/h were likely over the state’s southwest, including Perth, on Sunday afternoon and evening.
Residents were asked to close their curtains and stay away from windows as a low pressure system approached the state in the morning.
“People should definitely tie down loose items such as outdoor furniture and trampolines,” Bureau of Meteorology duty forecaster Luke Huntington told AAP.
“When strong winds arrive, be sure to stay inside and stay off the roads in case downed power lines or trees occur.”
“This certainly doesn’t happen every year, and wind will be the biggest danger,” Huntington said.
A major police investigation has ended with an 11-year-old autistic boy found safe after going missing overnight in Perth’s western suburbs during severe weather conditions.
The non-verbal boy had been missing for almost eight hours, prompting a massive search involving police and State Emergency Service volunteers on foot and horseback.
Police on Sunday welcomed the “wonderful news” that the boy had been found safe, well and reunited with his family.
The threat of heavy rain has eased after widespread rain fell in parts of the state, with Ludlow, about 200km south of Perth, recording more than 43mm of rain in two hours on Saturday night.
Harmful surf conditions were expected to continue, along with abnormally high tides.
Areas affected include Albany, Bunbury, Esperance, Katanning, Mandurah, Manjimup, Margaret River and Perth.
The low pressure system is expected to move eastwards on Monday and cause damaging winds with the risk of shifting towards south-east WA.
