On Friday, Perth experienced a sudden and intense storm that broke a six-month dry spell, leading to flash flooding, abandoned vehicles, and even a roof collapse at a shopping center.
Emergency services were overwhelmed with about 50 rescue calls as volunteers worked alongside fire crews to assist stranded individuals.
The Ocean Keys Shopping Centre in Clarkson reported damage to its roof during the storm.
While the Bureau of Meteorology’s official data recorded 10-11mm of rain, unofficial sources indicated that some areas received up to 130mm. The storm, characterized by localized heavy rain and hail, was the first significant rainfall in the region in months.
Intense Perth storm causes roof collapse and widespread flooding in northern suburbs.Daniel Hayes from the Bureau described the storm as developing rapidly but not unexpectedly, explaining that such localized events can occur suddenly.
The heavy rain lasted between 30 and 60 minutes but had largely subsided by the evening, with severe thunderstorm warnings subsequently lifted.
In Clarkson, resident Edoardo Paolucci reported severe flooding around his parent’s home, with several cars left submerged.
Despite the chaotic conditions, some locals tried to make the best of it, with people seen kayaking and paddle boarding in the streets and dogs playing in the flooded park.
Looking ahead, Hayes noted that the weekend weather would be mainly dry due to a high-pressure system affecting most of the country, including Western Australia.