Overview
- The low crossed the Perth coast early Sunday, producing damaging gusts, fallen trees, roof damage and flash flooding that prompted hundreds of emergency calls across Perth and the South West.
- Widespread power outages have affected tens of thousands of customers, with Western Power warning some repairs may not be completed until Monday evening while crews isolate and repair downed lines.
- Forecasters say the most dangerous phase arrives Sunday night into Monday morning with a second, stronger surge of winds that could exceed 125 km/h southwest of a line from Lancelin to Albany and generate offshore waves near 8 metres.
- Emergency agencies have issued prepare-to-shelter advice, urged people to secure loose items, stay away from beaches and avoid flooded roads, and the SES/DFES remain mobilised for tree removal, roof damage and downed powerline hazards.
- The Bureau says the system is unusually deep for the region, an event seen only every few years, and it is forecast to track east into South Australia, Victoria and Tasmania on Monday and Tuesday, spreading damaging winds and heavy showers.