Thunderstorm over Perth to bring heavy rain, damaging winds and hail

Damaging winds, large hailstones and heavy rain are set to hit parts of the Perth metropolitan area as the Bureau of Meteorology issues a severe weather warning from Lancelin to York.

The Bureau of Meteorology advised a severe thunderstorm was moving in a south south-west direction at about 40 km/h from 5.30pm.

As peak hour struck and people made their way home from 5pm on Tuesday, BoM issued the warning saying the severe thunderstorm was due to hit Two Rocks, Yanchep and Guilderton by 5.30pm

Ballajura, Joondalup, Pinjar, Wembley Downs and Wanneroo are expected to bear the brunt of it at 6pm, and Rottnest Island, Wembley and Yokine ate set to be hit by 6:30pm.

The damaging winds, large hailstones and heavy rainfall could lead to flash flooding for several hours, the BoM warned.

The Department of Fire and Emergency Services has advised that if people were outside they should find safe shelter away from trees, power lines, storm water drains and streams.

DFES also advised:

• 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.