Severe thunderstorm warning: Perth hills hammered by ‘large hailstones’, damaging winds

Perth’s stormy afternoon has finally begun to clear up across the city, leaving a number of homes and roads damaged in its aftermath.

Following a hectic few hours of hail and severe winds, DFES has announced that thunderstorms are no longer affecting the Greater Perth area.

Emergency services have answered more than 50 calls for help since 8.30am this morning, and are continuing to monitor the situation.

During the midst of the storm, uprooted trees and massive hailstones bettered the Northam and the Perth hills area.

Stephanie Farrow sent in footage of the storm rolling in over Northam and hailstones hitting.

SEE THE FOOTAGE IN THE MEDIA PLAYER ABOVE

The storms came after a week of sweltering temperatures, with WA’s early forecast predicting the intense thunderstorm and “large hailstones” to hammer Perth’s hills areas.

At about 12.30pm on Tuesday, the Bureau of Meteorology issued a severe thunderstorm warning for Lower Chittering and Red Hill.

The storm began to move south and was tipped to reach Brigadoon, Bulls Brook and Gidgegannup by 1.05 pm and Ellenbrook, Kalamunda, Midland, Mundaring and Wundowie by 1.35 pm.

According to DFES, most damage has been reported in Mundaring, Pakerville and Stoneville.

Main Roads have also received a number of calls reporting trees over roads in various locations, including Muchea, Mundaring, Karragullen and Gidgegannup.

“Clean up crews will attend these sites as soon as practical,” a spokesperson from Main Roads said.

The severe storm was likely to produce large hailstones, as well as heavy rainfall and damaging winds.

Emergency services have answered more than 50 calls for help since 8:30am this morning including homes and properties reportedly left damaged by broken trees.

Western Power has further confirmed that 27,000 homes and businesses in the Perth Hills are without power this afternoon.

“Our priority during the storm is responding to reported hazards on the network including numerous damaged poles and wires, to ensure the safety of the community and our crews,” the statement read

“Repair work can only be undertaken by our emergency response crews once the storm has passed, and hazards have been attended to.”

A spokesperson from Western Power added: “Currently, 8pm is the estimated recovery time, but in some areas it might be extended.”

The Department of Fire and Emergency Services advises that people should:

• Keep away from flooded drains, rivers,streams and waterways.
• Be careful of fallen trees, damaged buildings and debris.
• Keep clear of fallen powerlines, they are dangerous and should always be treated as live.
• Assess your home, car and property for damage.
• Check to see if your neighbour needs help.
• If damage has occurred, take photos and contact your insurance company to organise permanent repairs.
• If your home has significant damage, like a badly damaged roof or flooding, call the SES on 132 500.