Millions lashed by record-breaking rain amid Tropical Cyclone Sean in Western Australia

Record-breaking rain has lashed Western Australia as Tropical Cyclone Sean moved through the state.

Bureau of Meteorology meteorologist Angus Hines said Tropical Cyclone Sean was “still severe” despite the “very powerful weather system” moving further away from Australia’s mainland as of Tuesday morning.

The cyclone remained at a category 3 level on Tuesday morning after several people were rescued after their vehicles became stuck in flood waters in WA’s northwest.

“It slowly is losing its influence over our weather,” Mr Hines said.

“It has brought significant rain and winds.”

Karratha recorded 274mm of rain in the 24 hours to 9am Monday, which was a record for the area.

Sky News Weather meteorologist Rob Sharpe said Western Australia said the heavy rainfall was a “long time coming for that part of the Pilbara”.

“The rainfall itself was quite remarkable,” Mr Sharpe said.

Mr Hines said the cyclone would start to move south almost parallel with the WA coastline, weakening as it moves through.

“The worst of the weather associated with it has cleared … there are still flood warnings in play,” he said.

Parts of the Kimberley and Pilbara Districts are under flood watch, with an initial flood warning in place for the Lyndon-Minilya Rivers, Onslow Coast and Pilbara Coastal Rivers.

A final flood warning is in place for the De Grey River Catchment and West Kimberley District.

Several people were rescued after their vehicles became stuck in flood waters in WA’s northwest amid the cyclone.

A The Department of Fire and Emergency Services (DFES) spokesman said they had received 37 requests for assistance across the Pilbara mostly for assistance with sandbagging and flooding.

DFES issued an emergency warning on Monday morning to residents from Barrow Island to Ningaloo.

Residents were warned to shelter in place as it was “too late to leave”.

“There is a threat to lives and homes. You are in danger and need to act immediately,” the DFES website read.

Amid the cyclone, heat records were also smashed in WA, with Perth having experienced its hottest day in a decade at 43.6C on Monday.

Perth airport hit a high of 44.7C – the hottest in 28 years – while Geraldton airport hit 49.4C, which was equal to the record set last year.

“Incredible heat on the west coast yesterday,” Mr Sharpe said.

Mr Sharpe warned the heat would continue to Friday, with Wednesday tipped to reach a high of 38C Perth while the city is set to hit 39C on Thursday.

Perth is tipped to hit a top of 39C on Thursday.

‘Severe heatwave’ to hit Queensland, NSW

Queensland is also set to be smashed by heat, with a severe heatwave warning issued as temperatures in Brisbane are set to soar to a high of 37C on Friday.

Mr Hines said temperatures would rise to 5-8C warmer than usual across southeastern Queensland.

“Really hot few days ahead … really warm nights as well, mid 20s through the night,” Mr Hines said.

“You’ve got to look after yourself – stay out of the sun, stay hydrated … don’t forget about your animals, your pets, your livestock.”

The Central Coast and Whitsundays, Capricornia, Central Highlands and Coalfields, Central West, Maranoa and Warego, Darling Downs and Granite Belt, Wide Bay and Burnett and Southeast Coast districts have a severe heatwave warning in place from Monday to Thursday.

“Severe heatwave conditions are expected to build over broad areas of southern and central Queensland this week and persist until at least the weekend,” the Bureau of Meteorology warning stated.

Residents have been urged to seek areas to keep cool, which could include homes, a library, community centre or shopping centre.

“Severe heatwaves can be dangerous for many people, especially older people, babies, children, pregnant and breastfeeding women, people with medical conditions and people who are unwell,” the warning stated.

“Close your windows and draw blinds, curtains or awnings early in the day to keep the heat out of your home.

“If available, use fans or airconditioners to keep cool.”

A severe heatwave warning was also issued for the Northern Tablelands and North West Slopes and Plains districts in NSW between Monday and Thursday.

Sydney is set to hit a high of 34C on Wednesday, while temperatures in Melbourne will drop from a top of 33C on Tuesday to 22C on Wednesday.

Temperatures in Adelaide are tipped to drop from 31C on Tuesday to 28C on Wednesday, while Hobart’s temperatures will also drop from 26C to 19C over the same period.

Canberra is tipped for a high of 34C on Wednesday, while Darwin is tipped to reach a top of 33C for much of the week despite showers and possible thunderstorms.