Residents in the Perth Hills are facing significant challenges following a severe storm that struck the region on Wednesday evening.
The storm, described by locals as a “mini tornado,” caused extensive damage, leaving thousands without power.
A large-scale clean-up operation is underway.
Stay up to date on the latest news with The Western Australia Briefing – keeping you in the loop with news as it hits:
The Department of Fire and Emergency Services (DFES) issued a severe weather warning around 6pm, with the storm bringing heavy rainfall and strong winds.
Amaroo Retreat in Mount Helena was significantly damaged, with the owner describing the impact as “devastatingly catastrophic.”
Western Power reported that over 8,000 homes were without power due to the storm.
“Due to severe thunderstorms we’re experiencing a large number of faults in parts of the network,” it said. “Our crews are responding to risks and making safe before undertaking repairs and restoring power.”
Crews are working to restore services, prioritising safety by addressing risks before undertaking repairs.
Residents have reported widespread damage, including fallen trees, power lines, and roofs torn off homes.
Bethany Poletti from Gidgegannup described the storm’s impact, saying that her husband was “carried by the wind about 10 metres in the air.” She also said that the storm uprooted 300 trees on their property, making access difficult due to debris.
Emergency services are advising residents to stay indoors due to potential hazards from fallen trees and power lines.
The clean-up effort is expected to continue throughout the day, with authorities working to clear debris and restore power to affected areas.
Subscribe to The Briefing, Australia’s fastest-growing news podcast on LiSTNR today. The Briefing serves up the latest news headlines and a deep dive into a topic affecting you. All in under 20 minutes.