Key Takeaways
- Perth’s WA Day long weekend was hit by intense rain (>20 mm) and damaging winds, with gusts reaching 122 km/h at Cape Leeuwin.
- The State Emergency Service logged over 280 calls between Saturday night and Sunday afternoon, mainly from metropolitan and South‑West regions.
- Nearly 30,000 households lost power; Western Power estimated restoration would not occur until Monday evening.
- Storm surge combined with high tides submerged riverside walkways, flooded the Swan River, and caused notable beach erosion from Rockingham to Busselton.
- Public transport suffered train cancellations on the Fremantle line and delays on the Midland line due to storm‑related technical issues.
- Safety concerns forced the cancellation of several WA Day festivals, with organisers citing unsafe conditions for large‑scale events.
- The intense tropical low driving the weather is moving eastward; conditions will ease on Perth’s west coast by Monday morning, but the south‑east of WA may still experience damaging winds.
- Authorities urged residents to secure outdoor fixtures and warned of lingering hazards such as fallen trees and power lines.
Rainfall and Wind Intensity
The storm delivered more than 20 mm of rain across Perth by 5 pm on Sunday, with showers sweeping from the Midwest through the Great Southern. Wind gusts peaked at 113 km/h on Rottnest Island and reached a remarkable 122 km/h at Cape Leewin, figures described by Bureau of Meteorology spokesman Joey Rawson as “exceptionally windy” and unusual for the region. These conditions intensified through the afternoon before gradually easing after midnight, setting the stage for widespread impacts across the state.
State Emergency Service Response
Between 5 pm Saturday and 9 am Sunday, the State Emergency Service (SES) fielded over 120 calls reporting fallen trees, damaged power lines, and localized flooding. A further 160 calls were logged before 4 pm Sunday, with the majority originating in the metropolitan area but also extending to the South West, Great Southern, and Midwest‑Gascoyne. The surge in requests highlighted the storm’s breadth and kept SES volunteers busy conducting safety checks, clearing debris, and assisting residents stranded by water‑logged roads.
Power Outages and Restoration Timeline
The combination of high winds and saturated soil toppled numerous trees and power lines, leaving almost 30,000 households without electricity across Perth and the wider South West. Western Power warned that reconnection would be a lengthy process, estimating that most affected homes would not see power restored until Monday evening. Crews worked around the clock to replace poles, restring lines, and isolate hazardous sections, but safety considerations delayed full restoration until the worst of the wind had subsided.
Flooding and Storm Surge Impacts
Heavy rainfall combined with an unusually high tide produced significant flooding along the Swan River. Water levels at Barrack Street rose to 1.9 metres—over half a metre above normal—submerging the walkway to the iconic Blue Boat Shed and inundating Riverside Drive. Bureau of Meteorology spokesman Joey Rawson noted that storm surge coincided with the morning high tide, pushing water onto the Mitchell Freeway and nearby roads. While conditions were expected to improve by Monday’s high tide, the south coast remained at risk of further inundation as the system tracked eastward.
Coastal Erosion and Beach Damage
Beaches from Rockingham to Busselton bore the brunt of the storm’s energy, showing considerable erosion as powerful waves stripped sand from shorelines. In Mandurah, a resident’s social media post went viral after a neighbour’s unsecured shed was lifted by the wind and deposited in his swimming pool. Similar incidents were reported along the coast, where loosely anchored fixtures—such as carports, fences, and garden equipment—became projectiles, causing property damage and highlighting the importance of securing outdoor items before severe weather events.
Public Transport Disruptions
Transperth services suffered directly from the storm’s technical fallout. A storm‑related fault prompted the cancellation of trains on the Fremantle line, while the Midland line experienced notable delays as crews addressed signal and track issues. Transport Minister Rita Saffioti used social media to reassure commuters that the Public Transport Authority was working swiftly to resolve problems and monitor the network, thanking frontline workers for their efforts in clearing debris and ensuring passenger safety amid the adverse conditions.
Event Cancellations and Safety Concerns
The unsafe weather forced organisers of several WA Day festivals to cancel public events slated for the holiday. A statement from Celebrate WA emphasized that strong winds made it impossible to safely “bump in” the event, and conditions were not expected to improve sufficiently for a large‑scale gathering. The decision prioritized the safety of patrons, performers, artists, vendors, staff, volunteers, and partners, reflecting a cautious approach to risk management during extreme weather.
Forecast and Movement of the Weather System
Meteorologists explained that the driving force behind the weekend’s turmoil was an intense tropical low situated southwest of Western Australia. As the system moved eastward, it would continue to generate damaging wind gusts, particularly affecting west‑coast towns south of Lancelin and south‑coast communities. Joey Rawson predicted that while Perth’s west coast would see relief by Monday morning, the south‑east of the state would likely experience lingering strong winds as the low progressed.
Outlook for Perth and Southeastern WA
Looking ahead, Perth residents can anticipate a gradual return to typical conditions, with rain tapering off and winds diminishing through Monday. However, authorities advise continued vigilance in the south‑east, where gusts may still reach damaging levels. The weekend’s events serve as a reminder of the state’s vulnerability to sudden, intense weather systems and underscore the value of preparedness—ranging from securing loose objects to heeding emergency alerts—to mitigate future impacts.