Perth Hills: Residents report ‘tornado’ hits suburbs as firefighters respond to fallen trees, powerlines

[Pelican Press 0]

This is the hidden content, please

• Sign In
• or
• Sign Up

Perth Hills: Residents report ‘tornado’ hits suburbs as firefighters respond to fallen trees, powerlines

Thousands are without power in the Perth Hills amid reports of a sudden severe storm uprooting trees, fallen powerlines and tornado-like winds sending debris flying.

The Department of Fire and Emergency Services issued a storm watch and act alert on Wednesday night after the Bureau of Meteorology detected damaging winds northeast of Bullsbrook about 5.40pm.

“This thunderstorm is moving towards the south,” the alert said.

“It is forecast to affect Gidgegannup and Wooroloo by 6:10 pm and Mount Helena, Sawyers Valley and The Lakes by 6:40 pm.”

There has already been reports of trees falling either on or near properties. It is understood more than four separate powerlines are down.

Residents are urged to stay indoors as debris or fallen powerlines could pose serious harm. Firefighters are working with Western Power to ensure the area is safe.

“There remains a possible threat to lives and property and it is important to be aware of potential hazards that may remain after the storm has passed,” the alert said.

Camera IconMore than 4000 residents across the suburbs including Gidgegannup, Stoneville, Sawyers Valley, Mount Helena, Chidlow, Mundaring and Glen Forrest are without power. Credit: Westernpower

More than 4000 residents across the suburbs including Gidgegannup, Stoneville, Sawyers Valley, Mount Helena, Chidlow, Mundaring and Glen Forrest are without power.

The estimated restoration time, according to Western Power, is 1am on Thursday.

A St John WA spokeswoman said there had been no reports of injuries as of 6.45pm.

Multiple residents posted to

This is the hidden content, please

• Sign In
• or
• Sign Up

stating the winds were like a “tornado” or reminiscent of a “mini-tornado”.

“Trees all over on our block on Thomas street, windows blew open, absolutely terrifying,” one resident said.

Local Gidgegannup business Macri’s Fruit Shed posted to

This is the hidden content, please

• Sign In
• or
• Sign Up

saying they were “hit hard” by the storm. Several trees were fallen on their property.

“We will most likely be closed tomorrow at the least,” they said.

This is the hidden content, please

• Sign In
• or
• Sign Up

Camera IconMacri’s Fruit Shed was hit by the storm. Credit: Macri’s Fruit Shed/supplied

“We haven’t fully inspected the damage yet.”

The area was also drenched by rain on Wednesday.

More to come.

This is the hidden content, please

• Sign In
• or
• Sign Up

#Perth #Hills #Residents #report #tornado #hits #suburbs #firefighters #respond #fallen #trees #powerlines

This is the hidden content, please

• Sign In
• or
• Sign Up

This is the hidden content, please

• Sign In
• or
• Sign Up