More than 22,00 homes are without power in the Mid West and a Chittering blaze is threatening lives and homes as the State braces for temperatures up to 40C today.
Severe thunderstorms overnight have left 22125 people without electricity with Western Power estimating power won’t be restored to all of the homes until 4pm on Sunday.
Outages are also impacting much of the Mid West including Dongara, Port Denison, Kalbarri, Pindar, and Three Springs.
The blackouts come as the Bureau of Meteorology warns Perth could see a top of 40C today with temperatures already over 30C by 9am.
An out of control bushfire, which sparked around 10pm on Saturday night, is threatening lives and homes with residents near Lower Chittering urged to “act immediately to survive”.
The warning area covers more than 4000 hectares of rural land, about 70km north of Perth, and is bounded by Julimar Rd, Plunkett Rd, Beach Rd and Chittering Rd.
Those in Julimar Road, Plunkett Road, Beach Road and Jenjoda Road in parts of Julimar, Moondyne, Chittering, and Lower Chittering have been told to “leave now”.
Camera IconThunderstorms have caused outages across the MidWest. Credit: Western PowerWHAT TO DOIf the way is clear, leave now for a safer place. This may be with family or friends away from the area.If it is safe to do so, leave in a southerly or westerly direction.Do not wait and see, leaving at the last minute could put your life in danger.Take your emergency kit with you.If you become stuck in your car, park away from bushes, cover yourself with a woollen blanket, get onto the floor as the windows may break from the intense heat.Close all doors and windows and turn off evaporative air conditioners but keep water running through the system if possible.If you cannot leave, you need to get ready to shelter in your home.You must shelter before the fire arrives, as the extreme heat will kill you before the flames reach you.Go to a room in your home where you can shelter from the approaching fire.The room should have running water, such as a kitchen or laundry, and have a clear exit so you can easily escape.If you are not at home, it is too dangerous to return.
A watch and act warning is also in place for parts of Lower Chittering and Moondyne between Chittering Road, Julimar Road, Jenjoda Road, and Chittering Valley Road.
The bushfire is currently stationary but is not contained or controlled.
Power supply has been cut to around 85 homes and businesses in Julimar and Moondyne.
There is also a severe heatwave warning in place for the Lower West, South West, South Coastal, and Great Southern areas of the State.
“Seek a place to keep cool, such as your home, a library, community centre or shopping centre,” BOM advised.
“Close your windows and draw blinds, curtains or awnings early in the day to keep the heat out of your home. If available, use fans or air-conditioners to keep cool.”