In late July 2025, Western Australia experienced a series of severe weather events, including damaging winds, heavy rainfall, and thunderstorms, leading to significant disruptions and prompting multiple warnings from the Bureau of Meteorology (BoM).
On July 27, 2025, the BoM issued a Severe Thunderstorm Warning for parts of the Lower West and South West districts, forecasting damaging winds and heavy rainfall that could lead to flash flooding. The warning highlighted the potential for severe thunderstorms to produce damaging winds and heavy rainfall over the next several hours. Locations affected included Bunbury, Busselton, Mandurah, Margaret River, Perth, and Augusta. The BoM recorded 72 mm of rainfall at Wilyabrup in the six hours leading up to 5:30 am and a wind gust of 98 km/h at Cape Naturaliste at 5:07 am.
Earlier, on July 2, 2025, a Severe Thunderstorm Warning was issued for parts of the South West and Lower West districts, anticipating heavy to locally intense rainfall and localized damaging winds. The BoM noted that very dangerous thunderstorms were likely to produce heavy, locally intense rainfall that could lead to flash flooding and damaging winds in the warning area over the next several hours. A significant amount of rainfall was recorded at various locations, including 70 mm at Ludlow and 69 mm at Happy Valley (Busselton) over three hours.
In response to these severe weather conditions, the Department of Fire and Emergency Services (DFES) advised residents to take immediate action, including monitoring local radio stations, staying informed through official channels, and calling emergency services when necessary. The DFES emphasized the importance of preparedness and adaptability in the face of such challenges, urging communities to recognize their inherent resilience and capacity to support one another during adverse conditions.
These events underscore the significance of staying informed and prepared for severe weather, as such conditions can lead to significant disruptions and pose risks to safety and infrastructure. Residents are encouraged to heed official warnings and take appropriate precautions to ensure their safety and the safety of their communities.