Source: Bureau of Meteorology

For people in Lower West, South West, South Coastal and parts of Central West, Great Southern and Central Wheat Belt districts.

Issued at 10:50 am Sunday, 11 July 2021.

Wet and very windy start to the week for the southwest

Weather Situation: A strong cold front will cross the southwest during Monday morning followed by a vigorous and sustained westerly flow.

DAMAGING WINDS with gusts in excess of 100 kilometres per hour are likely and could cause DAMAGE TO HOMES AND PROPERTY. Winds across coastal areas of the Lower West and South West will strengthen on Monday morning and then extend further inland as the cold front traverses the South West Land Division.

Winds may temporarily ease for a period following the passage of the front, however further DAMAGING WINDS are likely later on Monday and during Tuesday as squally conditions persist.

DAMAGING SURF CONDITIONS are likely which could cause SIGNIFICANT BEACH EROSION along most of the west coast but particularly south of Shark Bay.

HIGHER THAN NORMAL TIDES may cause FLOODING OF LOW-LYING COASTAL AREAS with the morning high tide on Monday and Tuesday from Shark Bay to Albany including the Swan River.

HEAVY RAINFALL which may lead to FLASH FLOODING may develop during Monday morning with the passage of the front, particularly around the Darling Scarp. The rainfall will ease to squally showers and thunderstorms on Monday afternoon, continuing through Tuesday.

Locations which may be affected include Albany, Bunbury, Katanning, Mandurah, Manjimup, Margaret River, Mount Barker, Narrogin, Northam and Perth.

This front is expected to be windier than a typical front and is likely to produce the kind of weather that is only seen about 1-2 times per year.

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 boating, swimming or surfing leave the water.
* Be alert and watch for hazards on the road such as fallen power lines and loose debris.
* Keep away from flooded drains, rivers, streams and waterways.
* Be careful of fallen trees, damaged buildings and debris.
* Be careful of fallen power lines. They are dangerous and should always be treated as live.
* Assess your home, car and property for damage.
* If damage has occurred take photos and contact your insurance company to organise permanent repairs.
* If your home or property has significant damage, like a badly damaged roof or flooding, call the SES on 132 500.