Severe Thunderstorm Warning Issued for WA's Kimberley Region
The Bureau of Meteorology has issued an urgent severe weather warning for parts of Western Australia, with intense thunderstorms and damaging winds forecast to barrel through the southeastern Kimberley and north interior regions on Wednesday night.
Immediate Threat to Multiple Locations
In an alert issued around 5:15pm on Wednesday, the Bureau warned residents in the southeastern Kimberley to prepare for gusty thunderstorms that could produce isolated damaging winds. The warning specifically mentioned several locations that may be affected, including Halls Creek, Fitzroy Crossing, Kuri Bay, Mitchell Plateau, Mount Barnett, and Warmun.
The meteorological conditions creating this threat involve a moist and unstable airmass combining with a trough through the southeastern Kimberley region. This atmospheric setup is expected to trigger severe thunderstorms with isolated damaging winds throughout the evening hours.
Critical Safety Advice from Emergency Services
The Department of Fire and Emergency Services has issued comprehensive safety advice for people in the warning zone. Residents are urged to take immediate precautions as the severe weather approaches.
For those outdoors:
- Find safe shelter away from trees, power lines, storm water drains, and streams
- If boating, swimming, or surfing, leave the water immediately
- Be alert for hazards such as fallen power lines and loose debris
For home safety:
- Close curtains and blinds, and stay inside away from windows
- Unplug electrical appliances during lightning activity
- Avoid using landline telephones if there is lightning
- If flooding occurs, create makeshift sandbags using pillow cases filled with sand to protect doorways
For drivers:
- Do not drive into water of unknown depth and current
- Slow down and turn headlights on
- If visibility becomes poor due to heavy rain, pull over and park with hazard lights on until conditions improve
Weather Pattern Context
This severe weather event comes as Western Australia experiences significant weather extremes. The thunderstorm warning follows recent reports of extreme heat gripping parts of the state, with work sites emptying and beaches filling as residents seek relief from torrid conditions.
The Bureau of Meteorology continues to monitor the situation closely, with severe thunderstorms likely to produce isolated damaging winds in the warning area over the next several hours. Residents in affected regions are advised to stay informed through official channels and heed all safety warnings from emergency services.
