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Severe weather warning issued for Perth as storms close in

Samantha RogersThe West Australian
VideoWATCH: Here are the best clips we've been sent from Tuesday afternoon's crazy storm in Perth.

A roof has been torn from a home, dozens of trees have fallen and businesses flooded as a thunderstorm hits Perth with heavy rain, damaging winds and hail this afternoon.

A severe weather warning was issued for the Perth metropolitan area around 4.15pm, as large hailstones, heavy rainfall and damaging winds were expected.

A lightning strike hitting a grass tree sparked a fire in Melville, destroying a nearby gazebo as residents tried to douse the flames.

A lightning strike sparked a fire in Melville.
Camera IconA lightning strike sparked a fire in Melville. Credit: Robbie McClafferty/Facebook

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A department of fire and emergency services spokeswoman said as of 5.10pm, nine calls had been received from members of the public for help due to the storm.

There is a tree down in Grevillea Way, Heathridge and a roof which has come off a home in Chamberlain Place in Heathridge also.

Large hailstones, heavy rainfall that may lead to flash flooding and damaging winds were also likely. Some areas north of the city have experienced hail and lightning.

Residents in the Wanneroo area have reported flooding to homes and businesses.

Shoe store roof flooding in Ocean Keys.
Camera IconShoe store roof flooding in Ocean Keys. Credit: Facebook

Meanwhile trains on the Joondalup line are cancelled between Clarkson and Butler because of a “technical issue”.

A spokesperson for the Perth Transport Authority said the storm messed with signals at the northern end of the line, causing the issue.

Train replacement buses are being organised for public transport commuters making their way home this afternoon.

A spokesperson for Western Power said response crews are responding to a large number of hazard reports as a result of the storm.

Power lines have been brought down and power poles damaged by heavy rain and lightning.

Currently, around 18,000 customers are affected by storm-related outages with the most impacted metro areas being North Beach, Trigg, Karrinyup, Balga, Hamersley, Balcatta, Yokine, Menora, Coolbinia, Nollamara, Tuart Hill, Osborne Park, Stirling, and Inglewood.

The storm as is passed over the Perth CBD.
Camera IconThe storm as is passed over the Perth CBD. Credit: Laura Simes

South of the river the suburbs of Rivervale, Belmont, Burswood, Ascot, Redcliffe, Cloverdale, and Belmont are the heaviest impacted areas.

The Department of Fire and Emergency Services advised that people should:

  • If outside find safe shelter away from trees, power lines, storm water drains and streams.
  • Close your curtains and blinds, and stay inside away from windows.
  • Unplug electrical appliances and do not use land line telephones if there is lightning.
  • If there is flooding, create your own sandbags by using pillow cases filled with sand and place them around doorways to protect your home.
  • If boating, swimming or surfing leave the water.
  • Do not drive into water of unknown depth and current.
  • Slow down and turn your headlights on.
  • Be alert and watch for hazards on the road such as fallen power lines and loose debris.
  • If it is raining heavily and you cannot see, pull over and park with your hazard lights on until the rain clears.

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