Severe weather warning for Perth Metro, please check your boats

by Royal Perth Yacht Club on 9 Apr 2015 The Bureau of Meteorology has released severe weather warning for damaging winds and heavy rainfall for people in the Central West, Lower West, South West and South Coastal forecast districts.

Issued at 1:15 pm WST on Thursday 9 April 2015.

People in parts of WA southwest of a line Dongara to York to Albany. This includes people in, near or between Jurien Bay, York, Margaret River, Bridgetown, Busselton, Bunbury, Mandurah and the Perth Metropolitan area. This does not include Narrogin, Katanning and Albany.

Weather situation

A low-pressure system lies to the west of Geraldton and is forecast to cross the west coast near Perth overnight.

A strong northerly flow associated with the low will affect areas to the north of Mandurah. The weather system may cause damaging winds to 100 kilometres per hour from Thursday evening into Friday morning.

Areas south of Mandurah are likely to experience heavy rainfall that may cause flash flooding from late Thursday afternoon through to Friday morning.

This is unusual weather for this time of the year. Winds and heavy rain may cause damage to property and make road conditions hazardous.

The Department of Fire and Emergency Services advises that people should:

Store or weigh down loose objects such as outdoor furniture.
Have an emergency kit with a battery operated radio, torch, spare batteries and first aid kit.
Ensure pets and animals are in a safe area.
Move vehicles under cover.
Boat owners should securely moor their boats.
Campers should find shelter away from trees, power lines, storm water drains and streams.
If your home or property has significant damage, like a badly damaged roof or flooding, call the SES on 132 500.

The next warning will be issued by 5:00 pm WST Thursday.

This warning is also available through TV and Radio broadcasts, the Bureau's website or call 1300 659 213.

We would advise Members with boats penned or moored in Crawley or at the Annexe, to please check to make sure your boat and all sail covers and loose items are secure. Please also drive safely.