Perth Storm Preparedness: Live Tracking and Safety Guide
Recent storms across Perth and south-west WA show how quickly conditions can change. Over the WA Day long weekend in late May and early June 2026, damaging winds, flooding and repeated storm systems disrupted travel, damaged homes and left more than 160,000 Western Power customers without power at least once. When a Perth storm develops, reliable updates and a clear plan matter. This checklist explains where to check official information and what to do before, during and after severe weather to help protect your family, property and essential power supply.
How to Check the Latest Perth Storm Information
Live Weather Updates from the Bureau of Meteorology (BOM)
The BOM is the best place to check Perth weather warnings, radar, forecasts and observations. You can use the BOM website or BOM Weather app to track rainfall, wind changes and severe weather warnings as conditions develop across Western Australia.
Incident Monitoring via Emergency WA and DFES Platform
The DFES delivers official community alerts and real-time hazard data through the Emergency WA platform. This digital service maps active warnings, structural incidents, atmospheric hazards, utility outages, and road closures across Western Australia, allowing you to check conditions in your immediate postcode.
To standardise emergency communications, Emergency WA implements the Australian Warning System, which categorises storm risks into three distinct operational tiers:
Warning Level | What It Means | What You Should Do |
Advice | A hazard has started, but there may be no immediate danger. | Monitor updates and maintain situational awareness. |
Watch and Act | Conditions may threaten lives or property. | Take protective action immediately and restrict unnecessary travel. |
Emergency Warning | There is a serious threat to lives or homes. | Act immediately and execute your household safety plan according to official instructions. |
Western Power Live Outage Tracking and Restoration Updates
Western Power maintains the Power Outage Tracker for active, upcoming and resolved power outages. During a Perth storm, you can use the map to check whether your area is affected and see available restoration updates.
Emergency Contact Numbers and Official Social Media Channels
Emergency Telephone Numbers:
Triple Zero (000): Call this number only for life-threatening emergencies requiring immediate police, fire, or ambulance responses.
State Emergency Service (SES): Call 132 500 for non-life-threatening emergency assistance, including severe roof damage, rising floodwaters, or fallen trees blocking property access.
Western Power Fault Line: Call 13 13 51 to report fallen powerlines, sparking electrical infrastructure, or hazardous grid failures.
Verified Social Media Channels:
BOM Western Australia X (@BOM_WA): This channel shares Western Australian weather updates, warning links, radar or satellite information, and short-term severe weather posts.
DFES Facebook and X: These accounts publish community alerts, safety advice, and official updates as conditions change.
What Makes a Perth Storm Dangerous?
A Perth storm can bring several hazards at once, from damaging winds and hail to flash flooding and power outages. These risks can affect homes, roads, vehicles and essential services, especially when severe weather moves quickly across the metropolitan area.
Damaging Winds and Flying Debris
Severe fronts moving in from the Indian Ocean can generate strong wind gusts along the Western Australian coastline. Historical wind records show that Perth has experienced severe gusts, including a 156 km/h gust recorded at City West in 1963. In strong winds, loose outdoor items such as trampolines, patio furniture, garden tools and rubbish bins can become dangerous debris and cause property damage or injury.
Large Hail and Roof or Vehicle Damage
Convective storm systems can produce large hail that damages homes, vehicles and public infrastructure. During the March 2010 Perth hailstorm, hailstones reached up to 6 cm in diameter, and insurance losses were reported at more than $1.05 billion at the time. Vehicle windscreens, roof tiles, skylights and exposed outdoor surfaces are among the areas most vulnerable to hail impact.
Flash Flooding on Roads and Low-Lying Areas
Heavy, localised rainfall can overwhelm gutters, stormwater drains, low-lying roads and underpasses. Floodwater can hide debris, damaged road surfaces and sudden changes in depth. Even shallow floodwater can be dangerous, with as little as 15 cm of water enough to make some cars lose traction or start to float.
Fallen Trees, Powerlines and Extended Outages
Storm damage can interrupt power across several suburbs at once, especially when faults affect local distribution lines or slow repair work on access roads. Even after the worst weather has passed, power outages may continue while crews inspect damaged equipment, isolate unsafe sections and restore supply area by area.
Perth Storm Safety Checklist: Before, During and After
Before the Storm: Prepare Your Property and Backup Power
Secure Your Property and Outdoor Items
Property preparation is the first line of defence against a storm in Perth:
Clear gutters and downpipes
Trim overhanging branches
Secure loose outdoor items
Check the roof for damage
Prepare an Emergency Kit
Battery-operated radio
Torch
First aid kit
Waterproof, easily accessible container
At least three days of non-perishable food
Bottled water
Essential medications
Important documents
Fully charged mobile phone
Warm blankets and clothing
Hard copy emergency contact list
Charge Your Backup Power Devices
A Perth storm can lead to power outages that affect fridges, phones, internet routers, lighting and essential home devices. Before severe weather arrives, charge your bakup power, like portable power station and keep it in an accessible spot away from windows or wet areas. Check the cables, test the outlets and make sure everyone in the household knows which devices should take priority if the power goes out.
For last-minute storm preparation, the EcoFlow DELTA 3 Max Plus Portable Power Station is a practical option. It supports fast recharging and includes Storm Guard Mode, which helps prepare the unit when severe weather approaches. This makes it useful for households that want backup power ready for phones, lights, routers and selected appliances without needing to monitor every weather update manually.
For longer outages or households with more essential devices to support, the EcoFlow DELTA Pro 3 Portable Power Station offers a stronger backup option. Its expandable design and reliable power output make it better suited to keeping larger household essentials running, such as a fridge, medical devices or selected high-demand appliances during extended storm-related outages.
During the Storm: Take Immediate Safety Actions
If You Are Inside
Stay indoors and keep away from windows, glass doors and skylights.
Close curtains or blinds where possible to reduce the risk of injury from broken glass.
Keep your emergency kit, torch, phone and backup power device within easy reach.
Avoid using a landline phone during lightning.
Unplug sensitive electronics if it is safe to do so.
Use battery-powered lighting instead of candles.
Keep checking updates or ABC local radio if mobile coverage becomes unreliable.
2. If You Are Outside or Driving
Move into a solid building or a hard-top vehicle as soon as possible.
Avoid trees, powerlines, metal fences, open fields, stormwater drains and streams.
Do not shelter under trees, as falling branches can be dangerous during strong winds.
If you are driving, slow down, turn on headlights and leave more space between vehicles.
Avoid floodwater on roads, underpasses and bridges. Even shallow water can hide road damage or cause a small vehicle to lose control.
If you are boating, swimming or surfing, leave the water and move to a safer place.
Stay clear of fallen powerlines or damaged electrical equipment.
After the Storm: Recover Safely and Mitigate Hazards
Post-Storm Safety Checklist
Once a Perth storm has passed, hazards may remain around your home, street or power supply. Work through the basics first:
Check yourself, family members and pets for injuries.
Look for visible damage, such as roof leaks, broken windows, fallen branches or flooding.
Leave the property if the structure looks unsafe or water has entered electrical areas.
If you smell gas, move away from the area and call the gas emergency line. Turn off the gas meter only if it is safe to do so.
Do not touch wet electrical appliances, switches, cords or power points.
Keep checking updates or local radio for road closures, further weather warnings and safety advice.
If floodwater has affected your area, follow official water safety advice before drinking tap water.
Hidden Hazards in Storm Aftermath
Some storm hazards are not obvious straight away, especially when debris, water or damaged infrastructure remains nearby.
Treat all fallen powerlines as live, even if they look inactive.
Keep at least 8 metres away from fallen powerlines and anything touching them, including fences, vehicles, trees or pools of water.
Avoid floodwater, as it can hide damaged roads, sharp debris, open drains or contamination.
Be careful around damaged trees, unstable branches and leaning fences.
Avoid walking through debris in poor light where hazards are harder to see.
Wear sturdy shoes and protective clothing if you need to check outdoor areas.
3. Document Damage for Insurance
Photograph and video all damage: Capture clear images of every affected area before cleaning up or making temporary repairs. Include wide shots and close-ups.
Record key details: Note the date, time, and approximate wind speed or rainfall. This strengthens your claim.
Keep all receipts for:
Emergency temporary repairs (e.g., tarpaulins, plywood)
Alternative accommodation if your home is uninhabitable
Replacement items for essential needs
Contact your insurer promptly and provide photos, videos, receipts and a list of damaged items where possible. Clear records can help support your claim and make the assessment process smoother.
Special Cases:
Vehicle damage: Photograph your car from multiple angles before moving it, unless it creates a safety risk.
Damaged items: Photograph and list damaged belongings before disposal. If wet or contaminated items pose a health risk, check your insurer’s guidance and keep evidence where possible.
Conclusion
Perth storms often develop quickly, bringing damaging winds, flash flooding, and sudden power outages. Preparing your property early and tracking official alerts protects your household from these seasonal hazards. Alongside clearing gutters and securing outdoor items, adding a portable power station to your emergency plan keeps your critical appliances running during blackouts. Take action today to safeguard your home before the next weather front arrives.
FAQs
Was Perth hit by a cyclone?
Perth rarely gets a direct hit from a full-strength tropical cyclone, but cyclones and ex-tropical cyclone systems can still affect the region. These systems may move south from northern WA and bring heavy rain, strong winds and flooding to Perth and the South West.
Can I claim compensation for food spoilage or appliance damage caused by a storm outage?
You may be able to make a claim, but it depends on the cause of the outage and the type of loss. Western Power assesses damage claims case by case, and outages lasting 12 hours or more may qualify for an extended outage payment. Take photos, keep receipts and check your insurer as well.
What should I unplug during a Perth storm?
Unplug sensitive electronics if it is safe to do so, especially computers, TVs, routers, chargers and small appliances. If there is lightning, avoid using landline phones and keep appliances disconnected until the storm has passed.