Rare winter low threatens Western Australia with destructive winds and large waves

A rare and intense low-pressure system is set to impact a large portion of Western Australia, bringing destructive winds, severe thunderstorms, heavy rainfall, isolated tornadoes, and large waves through June 1. The Bureau of Meteorology (BoM) has issued a Severe Weather Warning covering areas from Kalbarri in the north, through the Lower West and South West districts, and extending east toward the state’s southeast coast. The most hazardous conditions are expected from the evening of May 31 into the morning of June 1, with damaging wind gusts and dangerous coastal conditions posing significant risks. The system is driven by a deep low-pressure trough approaching the southwest coast, drawing moisture from the northwest and triggering widespread showers and thunderstorms. These conditions will spread from the Central West into the southern regions overnight on May 30 and continue through May 31. Embedded thunderstorms may produce locally intense rainfall and severe wind gusts, with BoM also warning of a small risk of isolated, short-lived tornadoes. The area between Lancelin and Albany is identified as the most vulnerable to destructive wind gusts during the event’s peak. Marine conditions will deteriorate rapidly as the low nears the coast, with offshore wave heights forecast to reach up to 8 meters (26 feet) on May 31. Dangerous surf, coastal erosion, and potential inundation of low-lying coastal areas are expected due to the strong southwest swell. The severe weather could cause property damage, fallen trees, downed power lines, and extended power outages. Transport and infrastructure disruptions are also likely, particularly in affected coastal and regional areas. After moving across Western Australia, the low-pressure system is forecast to continue eastward into South Australia by June 1, bringing showers and gusty thunderstorms as it progresses southeast. The event underscores the unusual nature of such a deep low-pressure system in this region during late autumn, highlighting the need for preparedness amid potentially severe weather impacts across southwestern Australia.