Wild
storm brings havoc to Perth
The
full extent of a violent storm to hit Gingin has emerged, with
properties and crops damaged
28
November, 2014
The
roof of one home was ripped off, a large shed destroyed and crops
damaged as the tornado-like storm tore through the region.
Aftermath of a tornado that hit an olive farm on Orange Springs Road. Picture: by Ian Munro/The West Australian
Aftermath
of a tornado that hit an olive farm on Orange Springs Road. Picture:
by Ian Munro/The West Australian
Pictures
reveal the extent of the damage in some areas.
Two
houses were destroyed and three people taken to hospital after
thunderstorms caused havoc and sparked several fires north of Perth
yesterday.
This
caravan was flipped upside down by the wild weather in Gingin.
Picture: David Cooper/The West Australian
The
Bureau of Meteorology is forecasting showers and thunderstorms today
with gusty winds, hail and heavy rain possible with thunderstorms
about the hills this afternoon.
Yesterday,
one house was destroyed by fire in Wanerie 90km north-west of Perth
and another by wild weather in Gingin, while at least three planes
were forced to return to Perth Airport after they were struck by
lightning.
The
thunderstorms left about 5000 homes without power, mainly in Lancelin
and the northern fringe suburbs.
One
flight had just left Perth with 50 passengers when it was hit by
lightning just before 5.30pm on Wednesday and was forced to return.
It
landed safely and two people were taken to Royal Perth Hospital for
treatment.
The
hospital said on Thursday morning that one of the men had been
discharged while the other was in a stable condition.
A
number of airlines also cancelled flights. In Wanerie, firefighters
were called to a house on Bennies Road but were unable to save it.
Lightning
strikes in the city as the storm hit Perth. Picture: Ian Munro/The
West Australian
A
73-year-old man believed to be helping defend his neighbour's
property was treated for smoke inhalation. Shire of Gingin residents
in Sovereign Hill, Redfield Park Estate and Seabird were told to
evacuate or prepare to defend as a 5km front burned towards them
through Moore River National Park.
About
60 firefighters worked to contain the blaze. An evacuation centre was
set up but the alert level had been downgraded by 5pm.
About
280km north of Perth in Eneabba, residents were also told to leave or
prepare to defend because of another fire started by lightning.
Sections
of the Brand Highway were closed and water bombing aircraft were
called in. By 5pm, the alert level for the Shire of Carnamah had been
downgraded.
The
Weather Bureau reported hail in Moora, 175km north of Perth, and 47mm
of rain in an hour in Coolangatta, east of Geraldton.
The
weather provided a rare opportunity for photographers such as Luke
Baker who snapped what he described as the best lightning picture of
his life from Kings Park.
Looking at all those storage sheds and houses and the aftermath of that storm, I really pray for the health and safety of all of those affected by this horrible storm!
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