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🔥 Western Australia on Edge Storms Trigger Mass Power Outages as Bushfires Force ‘Leave Now’ Warnings

Western Australia is facing a compound emergency as violent thunderstorms and extreme heat combine with fast-moving bushfires, knocking out power to tens of thousands and forcing residents north of Perth to leave immediately.

More than 24,000 homes and businesses across Geraldton and the Mid West were left without electricity after severe storms damaged infrastructure, while uncontrolled bushfires in the Chittering and Toodyay shires prompted emergency evacuations.

Authorities warn conditions remain volatile, with more storms forecast to lash Perth and surrounding regions.

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⚡ Thunderstorms Spark Mass Power Outages

Severe thunderstorms swept through parts of Western Australia, bringing:

• Intense lightning strikes
• Damaging winds
• Heavy rain in short bursts

The result was a large-scale power outage affecting:

• Geraldton
• Mid West communities
• Regional businesses and essential services

Energy providers confirmed damage to power lines, substations, and poles, with crews struggling to restore electricity due to unsafe weather conditions.

Impact so far:

• Homes without air conditioning during extreme heat
• Businesses forced to close temporarily
• Communication disruptions in some regional areas

Authorities warned outages could extend into the night if weather conditions worsen.

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🔥 Bushfire Emergency Residents Told to ‘Leave Now’

As storms battered the coast, fire conditions inland deteriorated rapidly.

A Bushfire emergency warning was issued for:

• Chittering
• Toodyay

The fire is described as:

• Fast-moving
• Uncontrolled
• Threatening lives and properties

Residents in affected zones were urged to evacuate immediately, not wait, and avoid returning unless directed_toggle.

Additional Warnings

A Watch and Act alert has been issued for:

• Parts of Lower Chittering
• Moondyne

These warnings indicate the situation may escalate quickly if winds change direction.

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🌪️ Why Storms and Fires Are Happening Together

While it may seem contradictory, thunderstorms and bushfires often coexist in Australian summers.

Key factors include:

• Dry lightning igniting vegetation
• Strong gusty winds pushing flames rapidly
• Heatwaves drying out bushland before storms arrive

Fire authorities warn storms can worsen fire behaviour, not suppress it.

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📻 Where Residents Can Get Official Updates

For those in or near affected areas, authorities stress relying on verified sources only:

• ABC Emergency website
• ABC Radio Perth
• State emergency service alerts
• Local fire authority updates

Residents are urged not to rely on social media rumours, as misinformation can put lives at risk.

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lta’s Opinion 🧠 “This Is the New Normal And We’re Still Underprepared”

Alta’s take:
“What we’re seeing in Western Australia isn’t an anomaly it’s a warning. Storms knocking out power while bushfires force evacuations shows how fragile our infrastructure becomes under extreme weather.”

Alta believes three issues are becoming increasingly clear:

1. Aging power infrastructure is vulnerable to climate extremes
2. Emergency messaging still fails to reach everyone in time
3. Communities are being asked to respond faster than systems can adapt

“Evacuation warnings like ‘leave now’ save lives but they also expose how little margin for error remains.”

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🏠 What Residents Should Do Right Now

Authorities advise residents to:

• Follow evacuation orders without delay
• Prepare emergency kits even if not in the warning zone
• Avoid travel through fire-affected areas
• Conserve phone battery during power outages

Those outside evacuation zones should remain alert as conditions may change rapidly.

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❓ FAQ’s

1. Why do bushfires worsen during thunderstorms instead of stopping?

Dry lightning and strong winds often ignite and spread fires before rain reaches the ground.

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2. How long could the power outages last?

Restoration depends on weather conditions; unsafe winds and lightning can delay repair crews significantly.

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3. Are generators safe to use during outages?

Only if operated outdoors, away from windows, to avoid carbon monoxide poisoning.

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4. What does ‘Watch and Act’ actually mean?

It signals heightened danger — residents should prepare to leave if conditions worsen.

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5. Can storms cause new fires even after rain?

Yes. Lightning can strike outside rain zones or hit already dry fuel loads.

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6. Why are regional areas hit harder than cities?

Longer power lines, sparse infrastructure, and difficult terrain increase vulnerability.

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7. Is this linked to climate change?

Scientists say rising temperatures and extreme weather patterns are increasing the frequency of compound disasters.

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🔍 The Bigger Picture

Western Australia’s latest emergency highlights a growing challenge: multiple disasters happening at once.

As storms, fires, and heatwaves overlap, emergency services face immense pressure and residents are forced to make life-or-death decisions faster than ever.

For now, authorities stress one message above all:

If told to leave leave immediately.

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