West Aussies are being told to brace for a second cold front with swell heights forecast to hit a two-year record and up to 51mm of rain falling in the wettest part of the State.
The Bureau of Meteorology has issued a severe weather warning for the southern part of WA, including the regions surrounding Perth, Mandurah the South West, Katanning, Manjimup, Merredin, Mount Barker and Northam.
Heavy rains and damaging wind likes are being forecast — and it isn’t expected to subside for at least another two days.
“A second front will move across the coast later this week, prolonging the severe weather conditions in WA through to Wednesday,” the Bureau said.
By 5pm Monday, State Emergency Services volunteers had been bombarded with calls from distressed residents struggling with leaking roofs and flooding.
Walpole, in the State’s South West, was the wettest region of WA with a whopping 51mm of rain in the gauge over the past two days.
In Perth, the hills suburb of Bickley received the most rain on Monday, recording 30.6mm by 6pm.
The coast also got a battering, with 22.2mm falling in the Swanbourne rain gauge and 89km/h wind gusts recorded at 4.12pm.
Wind gusts have been relentless across WA with 90km to 100km winds recorded at Cape Naturaliste, while Geraldton Airport recorded 87km/h winds.
And while surfers are being told to stay away from the water during the weather warning, the swell is rapidly rising.
On Rottnest Island, an enormous swell height of 9.5m is being forecast — the biggest in more than two years — and monster wave heights are expected in other areas too.
“Significant wave heights exceeding 7 meters are expected in exposed locations. Waves will arrive from West to South Westerly directions,” the Bureau said.
The wild weather has prompted the RSPCA to issue a warning to pet owners to comfort their animals.
“The winter months can put pets at risk, but luckily there are simple steps we can take to prepare, and make sure our animals stay warm and protected from the wind, rain and cold,” she said.
“Cold and wet weather conditions bring a new influence of cruelty reports to our Inspectorate.
“Last winter, RSPCA WA received over 1500 reports, with common issues being insufficient food, water and shelter, abandonment, and animals in need of vet treatment.
“Protecting your pet this winter could be as simple as providing some extra bedding, food, and somewhere warm and dry for them to escape.”
PERTH WEATHER FORECAST
- monday – 20C – Showers, possible afternoon storm, 15-20mm
- tuesday – 10-16C – Showers. Becoming windy, 10-15mm
- wednesday – 9-16C – Rain, becoming windy, 15-25mm
- thursday – 10-17C – Showers easing, 3-6mm
- friday – 7-16C – Shower or two, 0-1mm
.