WA storm arriving Monday morning to last 36 hours
11/07/2021
The strongest cold front this year will arrive Monday morning bringing squally weather including the potential for damaging winds with gusts of more than 100 kilometres per hour along the west coast and south west regions of WA.
A severe weather warning stretching from just north of Jurien Bay to Bremer Bay and all areas in between including Perth, York, Narrogin and Katanning has been issued for damaging winds, heavy rainfall, abnormally high tides and damaging surf.
The intensity of rain at times during Friday’s storm was a rare occurrence. Rain is not expected to fall as fast and hard as it did at times on Friday, but sustained showers and heavy rain in isolated areas is likely to lead to flash flooding, particularly during the passage of the cold front Monday morning.
The heaviest rain, and greatest potential for flash flooding, is expected around the Darling Scarp and in areas that are already saturated.
Three-day rain totals of 20-50mm with isolated falls as high as 100mm are possible.
Perth has already had 117.2mm of rain in July, 82 per cent of the monthly average of 142.3mm.
This is Perth’s wettest start to July since 1965. Rain throughout south west WA is above average so far this year.
The prolonged nature of the squally weather is longer than is typical for a winter storm. It's anticipated the severe weather warning will remain in effect until Wednesday morning.
Winds as strong as expected in Monday’s cold front usually occur only twice a year. Gusty conditions will begin early Monday morning before easing a bit during the day then picking up again during Monday afternoon and continuing throughout Tuesday. Damage to trees and homes could occur.
Higher than normal tides and dangerous surf across the coast from as far north as Shark Bay through to Albany will continue for several days with the potential for coastal erosion and inundation in low lying areas such as Riverside Drive in Perth.
Stay up to date with warnings here and forecasts here.
