Source: Bureau of Meteorology

For people in Central West and parts of Pilbara and Gascoyne districts.

Issued at 2:52 pm Wednesday, 30 March 2022.
Severe thunderstorms with damaging winds and heavy rainfall are developing across inland parts of the Pilbara, Gascoyne and Central West districts.

Weather Situation:
A humid and unstable airmass in the central western parts of the state is expected to produce severe thunderstorms this afternoon. Isolated showers and thunderstorms are developing in the area, but activity is expected to increase and become more severe later in the afternoon and evening.

Severe thunderstorms are likely to produce damaging winds and heavy rainfall that may lead to flash flooding in the warning area over the next several hours. Locations which may be affected include Geraldton, Meekatharra, Mount Magnet, Newman, Paraburdoo and Tom Price.

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.