Western Australia's most powerful storm in 49 years has left more than 160,000 customers without power, with 104,000 reconnected by Monday evening. Approximately 8,000 homes and businesses remain without electricity as Western Power continues restoration efforts.
The storm, described by Energy Minister Amber-Jade Sanderson as 'one of the most powerful storm systems that we've experienced in a number of decades,' brought cyclone-strength winds, uprooted trees, and tore roofs from buildings. Gusts reached 135 km/h at Cape Naturaliste, setting a May wind speed record for the area.
Emergency services received hundreds of calls for help, with the State Emergency Service handling more than ten times the usual number of storm-related requests. An apartment block in South Bunbury was severely damaged, with roofing torn off and windows smashed, while another building in Cottesloe lost part of its roof, damaging nearby properties.
The Bureau of Meteorology warned of an intense low-pressure system moving east along the southern coast, bringing damaging winds up to 90 km/h, expected to ease Monday night. Flooding and damaging winds occurred over the weekend, disrupting travel and causing four flights to be diverted from Perth Airport.
Coastal erosion worsened at Port Beach and Lancelin, with Lancelin Sands Hotel owner Glen Trebilcock estimating 8 to 10 metres of sand lost in the latest storms. The Department of Fire and Emergency Services urged residents to stay away from damaged buildings, fallen trees, and powerlines despite easing conditions.
