A powerful and slow-moving storm system that has lashed Western Australia’s coastline, leaving thousands of homes without electricity, is now tracking eastward across the country, with authorities warning that hazardous conditions are expected to persist over the coming days.

The severe weather system, described by the Bureau of Meteorology as a rare and intense combination of deep low-pressure systems and a strong cold front, has already brought damaging winds, heavy rainfall, thunderstorms, and dangerous coastal conditions to the southwest of the state.

Perth and Southwest WA hardest hit

Residents across Perth and surrounding regions experienced widespread disruption as the storm system intensified over the weekend. According to the utility provider Western Power, approximately 8,000 homes in Western Australia’s South West and around 2,000 properties in the Perth metropolitan area were affected by power outages caused by fallen trees and damaged powerlines.

Emergency crews have been working to restore electricity, with officials indicating that most services were expected to be reconnected by Sunday afternoon, although isolated outages have continued in some areas due to ongoing hazardous conditions.

The state’s emergency response agency, Department of Fire and Emergency Services Western Australia, reported receiving more than 120 calls for assistance, primarily related to fallen trees, roof damage, and water entering homes across the Perth region.

Minor flooding was also recorded in parts of the city after nearly 20mm of rain fell overnight, affecting key routes including Riverside Drive in the CBD and the Kwinana Freeway’s Mill Point on-ramp.

“Rarely experienced winds” and ongoing danger

Meteorologists warned that the most dangerous phase of the system may still be ahead as it continues to move east across South Australia, Victoria, New South Wales, and Tasmania.

Wind gusts of up to 125 km/h were forecast for parts of southwest Western Australia, stretching from Lancelin to Albany, including Perth. Authorities warned that this type of widespread and sustained wind event is uncommon for the region.

BoM forecaster Luke Huntington said the wind posed the greatest threat, urging residents to remain indoors and avoid unnecessary travel. Officials also advised securing loose outdoor items such as furniture and trampolines due to the risk of debris becoming airborne.

A severe weather warning remains in place across much of Western Australia’s southwest, extending as far as Kalgoorlie and Kalbarri, with additional alerts issued further south across parts of South Australia and Victoria.

Cold front pushes system across southern Australia

The Bureau of Meteorology said the system is being driven by a strong cold front linked to two unusually deep low-pressure systems, expected to bring damaging winds and thunderstorms as it moves across southern and southeastern Australia through Monday and Tuesday.

Authorities have warned of continued hazardous surf conditions, with waves reaching up to eight metres in some coastal areas. Abnormally high tides are also expected to persist, increasing the risk of coastal erosion and dangerous rip currents.

Emergency officials are urging residents to avoid coastal waters entirely, warning that unexpected large waves could pose a serious risk even to experienced swimmers.

Emergency warnings remain in place

The Department of Fire and Emergency Services has issued “prepare to take shelter” warnings across large parts of southern Western Australia, emphasizing that the event is prolonged and conditions may deteriorate rapidly.

Officials cautioned that falling trees, collapsing branches, and downed powerlines remain ongoing hazards, and urged the public to stay alert as the storm system continues its eastward progression.

As the system moves across the continent, authorities across multiple states are maintaining high alert status, with further disruptions to power, transport, and infrastructure expected in the coming days. (ILKHA)