Tens of thousands of homes in Western Australia (WA) are facing blackouts following severe storms that struck the state over the weekend. Western Power, a state-owned entity, reported that approximately 70,000 customers, including those in Perth, are currently without electricity. The storms, which lashed the southern part of the state on Saturday and Sunday, brought wind speeds exceeding 100 kilometers per hour.
The State Emergency Service has been inundated with around 700 calls for help, mainly concerning roof damage, structural issues, and fallen trees. Fortunately, there have been no reports of injuries so far. Notably, an apartment building in Cottesloe, a suburb of Perth, had its roof ripped off, prompting warnings for nearby residents to remain indoors.
Efforts are underway to restore power to the affected customers, with Western Power aiming to resolve most outages by Monday night local time. The restoration process, however, is described as a significant undertaking due to the extensive damage caused by the storms. Reports indicate cyclone-strength winds in certain areas, such as Cape Naturaliste, where gusts reached 135 kilometers per hour.
Authorities have highlighted the challenges posed by fallen trees, power lines, and debris on roads in Perth and along the southern and western coastlines. Motorists are advised to exercise caution while navigating these areas to ensure safety for all road users.
