A big chunk of WA’s south west is being hit by severe thunderstorms and heavy rain.
The Bureau of Meteorology has issued a severe thunderstorm warning extending from Augusta in the South West up to Gingin in the north.
The Perth metropolitan area is also being hit hard by the storms, with heavy rain and strong winds being driven by a trough of low pressure ahead of a cold front.
The bureau has warned of damaging winds and heavy rainfall that may lead to flash flooding over the next several hours.
As well as Perth, other locations to be badly affected include Bunbury, Busselton, Mandurah, Margaret River and Augusta.
The heavy rain was highlighted in Wilyabrup where 72mm was recorded in the six hours to 5.30am.
Cape Naturaliste recorded wind gusts of 98km/h at 5.07 am.
The Department of Fire and Emergency Services advises people to:
If outside find safe shelter away from trees, power lines, storm water drains and streams.Close your curtains and blinds, and stay inside away from windows.Unplug electrical appliances and do not use land line 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.Do not drive into water of unknown depth and current.Slow down and turn your headlights on.Be alert and watch for hazards on the road such as fallen power lines 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.
The worst of the weather should pass by late this afternoon.