By Alice Marriott
Thousands of homes were left without power as a powerful storm packing 104km/h wind, rain and hail lashed Perth and the South-West this week.
Since midday on Tuesday, 454 calls for help had been made to the Department of Fire and Emergency Services.
Fire department outside storm damaged home in Bunbury
A spokeswoman from the Department of Fire and Emergency Services (DFES) said homes were damaged across Perth and throughout the South-West.
City crews and State Emergency Services (SES) volunteers have been working to clear away the damage, the spokeswoman said.
City and State Emergency Services (SES) crews clearing debris from road. Source: Alice Marriott
Western Power reported more than 36,000 properties affected by power outages across WA.
The state’s power utility deployed crews from Albany to join the restoration efforts in the South-West.
The Bureau of Meteorology (BOM) have warned residents in southwestern WA to expect the severe weather to last until Thursday.
The BOM also issued a marine warning, with destructive winds and higher than normal tides expected to cause flooding in low-lying coastal areas.
According to the BOM, this kind of weather is only seen in southwest WA about twice a 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 away from windows.
- Unplug electrical appliances and do not use land line telephones if there is lightning.
- 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 your home or property has significant damage (like a badly damaged roof or flooding) call the SES on 132 500.
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