The state s Department of Fire and Emergency Services (DFES) has issued a Blue Alert for people living in the warning area, urging them to prepare for dangerous conditions. People in or near communities from Exmouth to Minilya Roadhouse need to prepare for cyclonic weather and organise an emergency kit including first aid kit, torch, portable radio, spare batteries, food and water, the warning said.
At the same time, troughs are maintaining heat in western WA with temperatures expected to peak at 37C in Perth today.
It is expected to be a difficult day for emergency services fighting an out-of-control bushfire burning near the Perth Hills which as already has destroyed several homes.
We couldn t see 20-30 metres ahead of us, so we turned back, traveller Riley Even said. Probably a good decision, it s only getting worse.
Heavy storms are battering WA, as a low-pressure system moves across the state.(9News)
The tropical low is moving in a southerly direction about 250km southwest of Broome, towards Eighty Mile Beach and Sandfire Roadhouse.
However, it s no longer expected to turn into a cyclone. It is, though, still a very powerful system and is producing gusts in excess of 100km/hr, Neil Bennett of the Bureau of Meteorology said.
It s not believed that the storm will turn into a cyclone.(9News)
Residents in Western Australia s north-west are bracing for heavy rain and destructive winds as the state s first cyclone of the season approaches.
The Bureau of Meteorology (BOM) is predicting a tropical low, currently tracking parallel to the Kimberley coast, will intensify into a cyclone late tonight or early Friday before heading for the east Pilbara coast. There is more than normal uncertainty around this system but we are forecasting it to move southwards from Friday and it has the potential to intensify as it approaches the east Pilbara coast later in the week, BOM Senior Meteorologist James Ashley said.
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A total fire ban has been issued for regions in Victoria, while crews in South Australia work to keep a major grass fire at bay as strong winds and high temperatures generate dangerous fire conditions in several states today.
Victoria s fire ban has been issued for the Mallee, Wimmera and Northern Country regions, with no fires permitted to be lit in the open air today.
The SA Country Fire Service (CFS) is still working on the Blackford blaze which is now contained, however a current active Bushfire Advice message was issued last night.
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Lucindale Bushfire near Adelaide is now under control but still active.(9News)