Residents living in the Goldfields-Midlands region have been warned of approaching thunderstorm activity.
At 12.40pm, the Department of Fire and Emergency Services (DFES), issued a new alert, telling people living in the Goldfields, South East Coastal, Central Wheatbelt and Gascoyne districts to take action and stay safe.
It said the locations which may be affected include Kalgoorlie, Norseman and Kambalda.
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.
Take care in areas that have been flooded and be careful driving on gravel roads as surfaces will be slippery and muddy, and vehicles could become bogged.
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WEATHER DETAILS:
Bureau of Meteorology advised severe thunderstorms are triggering on a trough moving across southern inland WA this afternoon.
Severe thunderstorm activity is expected to track steadily to the east, and may also extend further south later this afternoon.
Severe thunderstorms are likely to produce damaging winds in the warning area over the next several hours.
ROAD CLOSURES AND CONDITIONS:
Some roads may be closed
Take extra care on the roads and do not drive into water of unknown depth and current.
Road information may also be available from Main Roads WA by visiting the Main Roads Travel Map, calling 138 138 or by contacting your Local Government Authority.
WHAT EMERGENCY SERVICES ARE DOING:
- DFES is monitoring the situation.
IF YOU NEED ASSISTANCE:
- If it is safe to do so, please do what you can to help yourself before calling the SES for assistance.
- If your home has been badly damaged by a storm, call the SES on 132 500.
- In a life threatening situation call 000.
After a storm SES volunteers make temporary repairs to homes that have been badly damaged, such as roofs that have been ripped off or large fallen trees on homes or cars.
KEEP UP TO DATE:
Visit Emergency WA, call 13 DFES (13 3337), follow DFES on Twitter, Facebook, listen to ABC Local Radio, 6PR, or news bulletins.
During a power outage, your home phone, computer or other electronic devices connected to the NBN will not work. Include a battery powered radio in your emergency kit.
Updates will be provided when the situation changes.
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Darren O'Dea
Everyone has a story to tell. Tell me yours.
Everyone has a story to tell. Tell me yours.
