IDW21033
Australian Government Bureau of Meteorology

TOP PRIORITY FOR IMMEDIATE BROADCAST

Severe Thunderstorm Warning

for HEAVY RAINFALL

For people in parts of Central West and Central Wheat Belt districts.

Issued at 3:29 pm Saturday, 22 August 2026.

Heavy rainfall in isolated thunderstorms this afternoon.

Weather Situation: A weak surface low and associated trough are helping initiate thunderstorms about the southern Central West and Central Wheat Belt this afternoon. Thunderstorms may persist into the early evening.

Severe thunderstorms are likely to produce heavy rainfall that may lead to flash flooding in the warning area over the next several hours. Locations which may be affected include Dalwallinu and Wongan Hills.

19.2 mm of rainfall was recorded at Barberton East in the 30 minutes to 3:15 pm.

The Department of Fire and Emergency Services advises 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.

The next warning is due to be issued by 6:30 pm.

Other warnings may be current.

Check https://www.bom.gov.au/weather-and-climate/warnings-and-alerts. Warnings are also available through TV and Radio broadcasts or call 1300 659 210. The Bureau and Department of Fire and Emergency Services would appreciate warnings being broadcast regularly.