Severe weather warning for Perth area as lightning strikes CBD

A freak electrical show filled Perth’s skyline this morning as unseasonal thunderstorm activity passed over the lower half of the State.

The light show came ahead of a severe weather warning for this evening, with damaging winds predicted for an area that stretches from Gingin to Mandurah.

The deep trough off the west coast, combined with the high pressure system to the south, is expected to cause winds of up to 100 km/h that could damage homes and property.

Locations that may be affected include Mandurah, Gingin, Perth, Rottnest Island, Scarborough and Yanchep.

Perth hobby photographer Mike Furkalowski, 27, who watched this morning’s storm roll in from his apartment window perched above the CBD about 4.30am, captured four lightning strikes at once to the west of the city.

“I actually woke up by accident and saw the storm coming in,” the 27-year-old said.

“I was going to go somewhere else to capture it but I was really glad I didn’t leave my apartment.”

The weather bureau tipped the chaotic conditions to continue until tomorrow morning.

Destructive winds across the past few days have already made their mark on the city, with several roofs caved in, a car squashed by a fallen tree and branches and debris scattered across local parks.

Meanwhile the north of the State is bracing for flash flooding in several areas, particularly surrounding the Kimberley and Fitzroy Rivers.

Surf life savers were particularly cautious of the wild weather, closing several beaches including Cottesloe, Hillarys Marina and Margaret River.

The second quarter of a preseason match between West Coast Eagles and Essendon Bombers at Mineral Resources Park in Lathlain was cut short due to the looming lightning storm.