Rare Storm to Lash Western Australia: Strongest Winter System in Five Years Expected

May 29, 2026
Rare Storm to Lash Western Australia: Strongest Winter System in Five Years Expected
  • The system is described as an unusually strong and intense deep low, likely the strongest WA winter storm this year and potentially on a five-year cycle.

  • Officials stress coordinated action among government agencies, local governments, service providers and utilities, while urging communities to support one another through the event.

  • Coastal conditions will be hazardous, with offshore waves reaching up to eight meters and beach erosion likely around high tides on Sunday and Monday mornings.

  • Coastal rainfall could reach as much as 50 mm in some areas, contributing to flooding and erosion.

  • High tides are expected to raise water levels, risking flooding of low-lying coastal and estuarine areas, including the Swan River.

  • Offshore swells up to eight metres are anticipated, with coastal tides potentially flooding footpaths along sections of the Swan River; rainfall of 30–50 mm is forecast along the west coast, diminishing inland as the system moves east.

  • The unusually strong winter system is set to arrive from Saturday evening, impacting the central coast on Sunday and Monday.

  • Emergency officials urge West Australians to prepare now for winter storms and to plan for possible delays in emergency responses during the long weekend.

  • The Bureau of Meteorology notes this is a rare, intensive storm for southwest WA, possibly the strongest winter system of the year and potentially occurring only once every four to five years.

  • Warnings emphasize the exceptional nature of this event for the region, indicating it may be the strongest winter system WA sees this year.

  • A severe coastal winter storm is forecast to sweep Western Australia over the long weekend, bringing damaging winds of 90–100 km/h inland with coastal gusts exceeding 120 km/h and possibly surpassing 125 km/h along exposed shores.

  • Authorities warn this could be one of the strongest storms in five years, with heavy rainfall and powerful winds affecting the entire southwest during the long weekend.

Summary based on 2 sources


Get a daily email with more Australia News stories

More Stories