WA Storm Preparedness: How to Prepare & Stay Safe During Severe Weather
Storms are a frequent natural hazard in Western Australia that can cause serious disruption and pose real dangers. WA storms bring heavy rain, strong winds, hail, and lightning, all of which can damage property and threaten personal safety. That’s why it’s crucial to understand the nature of a WA storm and learn how to prepare for them.
This guide will explain the key risks and offer practical steps to follow before, during, and after a storm, helping you safeguard yourself, your family, and your home.
What Are WA Storms and Why Are They Dangerous?
WA storms are powerful weather events that can include heavy rain, strong winds, hail, lightning, and even cyclones in northern regions. These storms can occur year-round but are more frequent in the southwest from May to October and in the Pilbara and Kimberley from November to April. Severe storms often feature damaging winds over 90 km/h, large hail, tornadoes, and flash flooding from intense rain.
The dangers of a Western Australia storm are multifaceted. High winds can uproot trees, damage buildings, and turn loose objects into projectiles, leading to injuries or fatalities. Flash flooding poses risks of drowning and road washouts, while hail can destroy vehicles and crops. Lightning strikes may cause fires or electrocution, and power outages from fallen lines disrupt essential services like electricity, water, and communications.
One example is that in March 2010, a storm in WA, Perth, caused widespread destruction, with nearly 2,000 calls to emergency services, school closures, and cancelled surgeries.
In northern WA, storms can escalate to cyclones, bringing even greater threats with sustained winds exceeding 200 km/h and storm surges. These events not only damage infrastructure but also isolate communities, making timely preparation essential to mitigate risks.
The Storm Alerts and Warnings in WA
Western Australia follows a standardised alert system for severe weather, similar to those used for bushfires, floods, and cyclones. The Department of Fire and Emergency Services (DFES) and the Bureau of Meteorology (BOM) work together to issue storm warnings in WA based on the level of threat.
There are three main levels for storm Western Australia.
Advice (Yellow): Indicates an active incident; stay aware and monitor updates as conditions may worsen.
Watch and Act (Orange): Signals a possible threat; take immediate action to protect yourself and your property.
Emergency Warning (Red): Denotes an imminent danger to lives and homes; act urgently as instructed.
These alerts help communities respond effectively to WA storms, providing clear guidance on specific risks such as damaging winds, heavy rain, and hail. For cyclones, additional categories (ranging from Category 1 to 5) are adopted to indicate the storm’s intensity, with higher numbers representing more destructive power.
How Do You Get Early Warnings and Storm Alerts?
Staying informed is key to staying safe during a storm in WA. There are multiple channels to ensure you receive timely updates, even in remote areas where telecommunications might fail.
Official sources include the Emergency WA website, which provides real-time warnings for storms, cyclones, and other hazards. You can also download the Emergency WA app for instant mobile notifications or the latest WA storm damage today.
The Bureau of Meteorology (BOM) website offers detailed forecasts, radar images, and live alerts.
Tune into ABC Local Radio for emergency broadcasts and followDFES on Facebook or call 13 DFES (13 3337) for up-to-date information.
The Australian Warning System also standardises alerts for different hazards across the country.
For travel information, check Main Roads WA or call 138 138. In critical situations,Emergency Alert will send voice and text messages directly to phones in affected areas.
How Should You Prepare Your Home Before Storm Season?
Preparing your home for WA storm events can greatly reduce damage and improve safety. Here’s how to get started with essential preparations:
Maintain your property regularly: Trim trees and branches away from structures and power lines to prevent them from falling during strong winds. For trees near electrical lines, hire a qualified contractor to remove them safely.
Prevent water damage: Clear gutters and downpipes to ensure proper drainage and reduce the risk of flooding. Secure loose roof tiles and cladding to prevent leaks and flying debris during severe weather.
Inspect structural integrity: Check bolts, fastenings, and joints on patios, carports, and outdoor structures for rust or weakness to ensure they can withstand strong gusts.
Assemble an emergency kit: Store essentials in a waterproof container, including a battery-powered radio, flashlight, first aid supplies, non-perishable food, water, medications, and important documents. Keep the kit accessible and update it regularly.
Develop a family storm plan: Assign roles for each household member during a WA storm, including arrangements for pets and livestock. Ensure pets have identification tags or microchips, and secure shelters are available.
Review insurance coverage: Check that your home, contents, and vehicle insurance include protection against WA storm damage, and understand policy exclusions or requirements.
Address flood risks: If you live in a flood-prone area, elevate valuables and use sandbags to protect doors and windows.
Plan for power outages: During a Western Australia storm, blackouts are common. Consider investing in a dependable power station to keep essential devices like lights, phones, and medical equipment running when the grid goes down.
For instance, the EcoFlow DELTA Pro 3 Portable Power Station is a high-capacity backup solution that delivers 4096Wh capacity. It can power heavy-duty home appliances, charge multiple devices simultaneously, and provide fast, reliable energy during WA storm emergencies.
EcoFlow DELTA Pro 3 Portable Power Station
Build a Power System: You can also take your preparedness a step further, that is, build a home battery backup system to maintain uninterrupted power during outages. By storing excess solar or grid energy for later use, this system ensures your essential appliances, lighting, and internet stay operational throughout storm-related blackouts.
What Should You Do During a WA Storm?
Once a WA storm hits, your focus should shift to immediate safety. Here are the essential actions to take:
Stay indoors and secure your surroundings: Remain inside with your family and pets; keep clear of windows to avoid injury from flying debris or shattered glass. Close curtains or blinds for extra protection, and calmly explain the situation to children to ease anxiety.
Stay informed & monitor alerts: Track severe weather warnings on the Emergency WA website or app for real-time updates, as conditions can change rapidly during a Western Australia storm. Staying informed helps you act quickly if threats like flash flooding or strong winds escalate.
Use reliable communication tools: Tune in to a battery-operated radio for emergency broadcasts on local ABC Radio stations. These remain dependable even when power or internet access is disrupted, ensuring you stay updated on storm progress and safety instructions.
Follow your storm plan: Respond promptly to directions from DFES based on the alert level: Advice, Watch and Act, or Emergency Warning. Secure loose outdoor items if it’s safe to do so, and implement your household storm plan to protect everyone in the home.
Avoid travel and unnecessary risks: Do not drive or use boats unless essential. Park vehicles undercover and yield to emergency responders. If relocation becomes necessary due to flooding or damage, move early and monitor official updates for safe routes.
Assist others safely: If conditions allow, check on neighbours, friends, or vulnerable individuals. Offer help only when it doesn’t compromise your own safety, and stay informed about WA storm damage today through official channels.
Handle emergencies promptly: Keep your emergency kit within reach and call 000 for life-threatening situations such as injuries or structural collapse.
Maintain power supply: Use your backup power generator or system to keep essential devices running (lights, phones, refrigeration, medical equipment, etc.). A reliable power source ensures safety, communication, and comfort until grid power is restored after a Western Australia storm.
What Should You Do After the Storm?
After a WA storm passes, there may still be risks around you. Here are a few simple steps to help you stay safe and begin your recovery.
Assess immediate hazards: Look for downed power lines, fallen trees, and floodwaters. Avoid any water that could be electrically charged and report damage to local authorities.
Contact insurance providers: Report property damage promptly to start the claims process. Wait for an assessor’s inspection before beginning repairs to avoid complications.
Seek cleanup assistance: Call the State Emergency Service (SES) on 132 500 for help with debris removal or emergency repairs. Priority is given to vulnerable households and high-risk areas.
Handle repairs carefully: Avoid signing contracts with contractors without insurer approval to prevent unexpected costs. Tenants should notify landlords and confirm their contents insurance coverage.
Access support services: If you need emergency accommodation, food, or essential supplies, contact Crisis Care at 61 8 9223 1111 / 1800 199 008 or Entrypoint Perth at 6496 0001 / 1800 124 684.
Prepare for ongoing disruptions: If you have been using a home backup generator or battery system during a WA storm, ensure it remains functional with enough power. This helps you manage extended outages and maintain comfort while services are being restored.
Prioritise your wellbeing: Recovering from storms WA can be emotionally draining. Reach out to family, friends, or professional counsellors for mental health support.
Conclusion
Severe WA storms are unpredictable, but with proper preparation and awareness, you can greatly reduce their impact. This guide has outlined where to find reliable alerts, how to prepare your home, and what to do before, during, and after storm season to stay safe.
When a WA storm hits, maintaining power is essential for safety and comfort. EcoFlow’s portable power solutions offer reliable, clean energy to keep your lights, communication, and essentials running through outages. Prepare early and stay powered with EcoFlow to weather any storm confidently.
EcoFlow DELTA Pro 3 Portable Power Station
FAQs
Are there any cyclones forming in WA?
As of November 2025, there are currently no active tropical cyclones forming in Western Australia. The Bureau of Meteorology continues to monitor ocean and atmospheric conditions closely throughout the cyclone season.
While the season officially began on November 1, current satellite data shows no immediate threats to coastal or inland regions.
However, forecasters warn that warmer sea surface temperatures could increase the likelihood of cyclone development later this summer, so residents should stay alert and prepared.
Will a cyclone ever hit Perth?
While cyclones usually form in northern Western Australia and rarely travel far south, Perth has experienced their effects before.
A notable case is Cyclone Alby in 1978, which caused widespread destruction across Perth and the southwest coast.
With climate change potentially increasing the risk of southern-tracking cyclones, residents should stay prepared using official resources from the Bureau of Meteorology (BOM).
What was the worst cyclone to hit WA?
One of the most destructive cyclones to strike Western Australia was Cyclone Alby in 1978, which battered the southwest, including Perth. It caused widespread damage, fires, and flooding.
Winds exceeded 130 km/h, cutting power and communications across large areas while resulting in several fatalities and extensive property losses.
Other historic events, such as Cyclone Vance in 1999, set mainland wind-speed records.