Storm Advice – Prepare Now and Look After Each Other

The Department of Fire and Emergency Services (DFES) has issued a storm advice for Bunbury and parts of the South West, effective Wednesday 26 August 2026.

What's expected

• Heavy rainfall with potential for flash flooding, particularly early Wednesday morning
• Six hourly rainfall totals of 30 to 60mm, with possible localised falls up to 70mm
• Thunderstorms embedded within the front as it pushes onshore
• Heavy falls expected to ease during the early evening

This advice extends across parts of the South West and Lower West, including Bunbury, Mandurah, Collie, Harvey, Dwellingup and Pinjarra. If you have family or friends in these areas, please make sure they're aware.

How to prepare your property

• Secure loose items around your property, including outdoor furniture, trampolines and shade sails
• Trim branches near your home or car so they don't come down in strong winds
• Clear gutters and downpipes so they don't overflow after heavy rain
• Prepare an emergency kit with a battery powered radio, torch, spare batteries and a first aid kit
• Boat owners should securely moor their boats

Have a plan

• Review your household emergency plan, or make one now on Emergency WA or in the Emergency WA app
• Remember, during a power outage your home phone, computer and anything connected to the NBN won't work, so a battery radio is essential

Look after each other

This is a good time to check in on those around you.

• Check on your neighbours, especially those who are elderly, live alone, or may need a hand preparing their property
• Offer to help secure loose items for someone who can't do it themselves
• Make sure family and friends know what's coming and have a plan

Stay informed

For the most accurate and up-to-date information, please rely on official sources rather than speculation or unverified social media posts:

• Bureau of Meteorology: bom.gov.au/weather-and-climate/warnings-and-alerts
• Emergency WA: emergency.wa.gov.au
• Department of Fire and Emergency Services: dfes.wa.gov.au

Warnings are also available through TV and radio broadcasts, or by calling 1300 659 210.

Need help?

If your home or property has sustained significant damage such as a badly damaged roof or flooding, call the SES. Take photos of any damage and contact your insurance company to arrange repairs.

Please take care, prepare early, and stay safe.