Thunderstorms on the way to Mandurah

PIC: File

Locals are being urged to prepare for thunderstorms coming to Mandurah and surrounding areas this afternoon.

A severe weather warning is in place for parts of the Midwest-Gascoyne, Goldfields-Midlands and South West.

The Bureau of Meteorology has advised thunderstorms are forming over much of the South West of WA ahead of an approaching cold front, causing damaging wind gusts and isolated heavy rainfall.

This could lead to flash flooding in the warning area over the next several hours. 

WHAT TO DO: 
•    If outside find safe shelter away from trees, powerlines, storm water drains and streams.
•    Close your curtains and blinds, and stay inside away from windows.
•    Unplug electrical appliances and avoid using landline telephones if there is lightning.
•    If there is flooding, create your own sandbags by using pillow cases filled with sand and place them around doorways to protect your home.
•    If boating, swimming or surfing leave the water.

IF DRIVING:
•    Do not drive into water of unknown depth and current.
•    Slow down, turn your lights on and keep a safe distance from other drivers.
•    Be alert and watch for hazards on the road such as fallen powerlines and loose debris.
•    If it is raining heavily and you cannot see, pull over and park with your hazard lights on until the rain clears.

IF YOU NEED ASSISTANCE: 
•    If it is safe to do so, please do what you can to help yourself before calling the SES for assistance.
•    If your home has been badly damaged by a storm, call the SES on 132 500.
•    In a life threatening situation call 000.

After a storm SES volunteers make temporary repairs to homes that have been badly damaged, such as roofs that have been ripped off or large fallen trees on homes or cars. 

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