Source: Bureau of Meteorology

For people in Gascoyne, Central West and parts of Pilbara, Lower West and Central Wheat Belt districts.

Issued at 2:06 pm Monday, 28 March 2022.

Severe thunderstorms continue to develop through central western parts of the state this afternoon.

Weather Situation: Thunderstorms continue to develop in a humid airmass to the east of a trough down the west coast today, supported by an upper trough to the west of the state.

Severe thunderstorms are likely to produce damaging winds and heavy rainfall that may lead to flash flooding over the next several hours in the Gascoyne, Central West and parts of the Pilbara, Lower West and Central Wheat Belt districts. Locations which may be affected include Geraldton, Kalbarri, Meekatharra, Merredin, Moora, Mount Magnet, Northam and Paraburdoo.

Severe thunderstorms are likely to produce damaging winds, large hailstones and heavy rainfall that may lead to flash flooding over the next several hours in the Central West and parts of the Gascoyne and Central Wheat Belt districts. Locations which may be affected include Dalwallinu, Eneabba, Morawa and Mullewa.

The Department of Fire and Emergency Services advises that people should:
* 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.