WA weather: Bureau of Meteorology issues storm advice for South West, including Albany, Bremer Bay, Esperance

A storm is forecast to hit WA’s South West in hours, with residents told to prepare now for severe weather.

The Bureau of Meteorology issued an advice for Albany, Esperance, Mount Barker, Bremer Bay, Hopetoun and Walpole, warning locals about damaging winds expected to pass through the area on Wednesday evening.

“A cold front will cross southwestern WA on Wednesday evening, extending a vigorous south to southwesterly airstream over southern coastal parts of the State during the late evening,” the BoM advice said.

“The front and associated winds are forecast to track eastwards on Thursday morning before weakening into the afternoon.”

The system will produce damaging winds averaging 60 to 70km/h gusts, but gusts of around 100km/h are possible between Margaret River and Albany.

Meteorologist Miriam Bradbury said the cold front is expected to move further south on Thursday, bringing showers and isolated thunderstorms as it passes through.

Ms Bradbury also said large waves are expected along the coast as a result of the cold front.

Emergency WA has urged people in the advice areas to “act now and stay safe”.

“Pack away, secure or tie down outdoor furniture, trampolines and other loose items around your home that could be picked up and thrown by strong winds,” the advice said.

Perth residents aren’t in the clear either after experiencing a sky full of lightning strikes on Wednesday morning.

The BoM advised a thunderstorm could also hit the metro area on Wednesday afternoon, however no warning or advice has been issued.

A possible shower is also forecast for Thursday morning in Perth.

PERTH FORECAST:

Thursday: 22C, showers

Friday: 22C, cloudy

Saturday: 23C, cloudy

Sunday: 25C, cloudy

Monday: 26C, sunny

Tuesday: 28C, sunny