Strong winds and rain forecast for Great Southern

The Department of Fire and Emergency Services have issued a dangerous weather warning for areas in the South West, including Katanning which may see wind gusts up to 100km/h and heavy rainfall.

The DFES warning asks people in parts of the Midwest Gascoyne, Goldfields Midlands, Great Southern, Lower South West, South West and Perth Metropolitan regions to continue to take action with dangerous weather coming.

This includes people in Geraldton, Jurien Bay, Dalwallinu, Southern Cross, York, Esperance, Albany, Katanning, Narrogin, Bridgetown, Margaret River, Busselton, Bunbury, Mandurah, the Perth Metropolitan area.

DFES said this was unusual weather that could cause damage to homes and make travel dangerous.

From DFES:

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.

Take care in areas that have been flooded and be careful driving on gravel roads as surfaces will be slippery and muddy, and vehicles could become bogged.

For the latest weather warnings visit www.bom.gov.au/wa/warnings or call 1300 659 213.