Mini Tornado as Storm Hits Waroona
Last night I was totally stuffed so decided to get an early night. While rain, thunder and lightning was going on outside, I had no idea that the storm was raging even more intense on the other side of our small town.
Being a volunteer in the local Fire Brigade, I got a callout at 11pm to some powerlines down. When we got there, there was more than just some power lines down! Huge trees snapped in half or ripped out of the ground, roofs off houses, trees fallen onto houses, what a mess!
So much of a mess that we even made the news...
The south-west town of Waroona has taken the full brunt of a storm which passed over the southern half of the state overnight.
Wind gusts of up to 126 km ripped roofs off houses, uprooted trees and caused power black outs in what has been described as a "mini tornado".
The strongest wind gust was recorded at Rottnest Island but the most damaging appear to have been around the south-west town of Waroona.
State Emergency Services spokesman Nick Elrick, who was surveying damage in the town, says the wind was destructive.
"I've seen two houses that have had their roofs extensively damaged and numerous other houses where trees have actually fallen ono the roof," he said.
A mini-tornado hit small town of Waroona, 108km south of Perth, leaving about 300 homes without power, roof and fence damage and minor flooding.
Fallen power lines, uprooted trees and debris have closed the South Western Highway at Waroona. The worst hit locations are McClarty Street and South Western Highway in Waroona.
Thankfully no-one was hurt and the properties damaged can be repaired, even though it is unfortunately an inconvenience to the owners.
Lynda Jeffery captured the following images showing some of the devastation caused:
