West Aussies warned of damaging gales as severe storm hits Perth, South West, Midwest Gascoyne, Goldfields

West Australians have been warned to batten down as destructive winds and severe weather hit big parts of the State.

Damaging gale alerts have been issued for Perth, the South West, the Midwest Gascoyne and Goldfields, with gusts reaching up to 100km/h.

In the metropolitan area, the eastern suburbs of Armadale, Ellenbrook, Gingin, Harvey, Kalamunda and Midland are expected to cop the worst of the storm.

Mundaring and Pinjarra are also predicted to get wild weather.

“You need to act now and stay safe with severe weather forecast including damaging winds expected today,” a Department of Fire and Emergency spokesperson said on Friday morning.

“Pack away, secure or tie down outdoor furniture, trampolines and other loose items around your home that could be picked up and thrown by strong winds.”

The Bureau of Meteorology said it was predicting gusts of about 60 to 70km/h before peaking at 100km/h on Friday afternoon.

Winds are expected to ease by Saturday morning.

Perth was recording gusts of up to 44km/h about 7.30am on Friday.

The Bureau said easterly winds were typical for the middle of autumn.

However, this weather system was “stronger than usual”.

“A ridge is expected to collide with a deepening trough off the west coast, producing a vigorous easterly air stream over parts of south-western WA later tonight,” the spokesperson said.

Much welcome rain is also predicted to fall across the State on Friday, with parts of Perth getting up to 10mm.

PERTH WEATHER FORECAST

Friday: Cloudy, high chance of showers, 17-25

Saturday: Cloudy, medium chance of showers, 15-27

Sunday: Partly cloudy, some rain, 17-30

Monday: Cloudy, chance of showers, 17-28

Tuesday: Partly cloudy, 17-27

Wednesday: Cloud clearing, 15-26

Thursday: Mostly sunny, 13-27