Source: Bureau of Meteorology

For people in parts of Gascoyne and Central West districts.

Issued at 5:04 pm Wednesday, 11 May 2022.
Damaging winds and heavy rainfall developing from Thursday afternoon.

Weather Situation: A low pressure system embedded within a cold front is expected to move ashore tomorrow afternoon into the Central West or western Gascoyne districts. Tropical moisture drawn in from the north west with this system will bring extensive showers and rain, with embedded thunderstorms north of about Geraldton possible.

DAMAGING WIND GUSTS with peak gusts to around 90 kilometres per hour are possible over the western Gascoyne District and northern parts of the Central West District from Thursday afternoon, particularly with thunderstorms.These gusts will develop in coastal areas from early afternoon, gradually spreading to inland areas in the late afternoon.

HEAVY RAINFALL which may lead to FLASH FLOODING may develop from early to mid afternoon near the coast in the Central West and western Gascoyne districts, most likely with thunderstorms north of about Geraldton, and will gradually move inland during the remainder of the afternoon and evening. Six-hourly rainfall totals between 50 to 80 mm are possible.

Locations which may be affected include Carnarvon, Denham, Geraldton, Kalbarri, Wooramel Roadhouse and Yalgoo.

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.