Coastal Hazard Warning for Central West, Lower West and South Coastal WA

Alert Details

Coastal Hazard Warning (type: coastal_hazard_warning, warning_id: IDW21137) issued by the Australian Government Bureau of Meteorology (BOM) for abnormally high tides and damaging surf. Issued at 11:00 am Sunday, 31 May 2026 (issue_time 2026-05-31T03:00:15Z). Expires 2026-05-31T12:00:15Z. Severity: Moderate. Phase: renewal. Warning group type: major.

Affected Areas

Parts of Central West, Lower West, South West, South Coastal and South East Coastal forecast districts in Western Australia (state: WA). Locations which may be affected include Albany, Bunbury, Esperance, Geraldton, Mandurah, Margaret River and Perth.

What You Should Do

If boating, swimming or surfing leave the water. Keep away from coastal areas including beaches, tidal rivers, creeks, cliff areas and sand dunes. Beach closures may be in place. Follow the advice of local authorities. Keep away from flooded drains. Do not drive into water of unknown depth and current. If you live in the risk area, be prepared to relocate to a safer place. Move furniture and other items up high to avoid water damage. Have an evacuation kit ready including medicines, important documents, pet supplies and clothing. In a life threatening situation call 000. If your home or property has significant damage, like flooding, call the SES on 132 500.

Expected Conditions

A deepening and intense low pressure system offshore the southwest coast is bringing gale force westerly winds, elevated sea levels and large and powerful waves. Abnormally high tides which may lead to sea water flooding of low-lying coastal areas are likely between Gregory and Cape Naturaliste, with tides rising well above the normal high tide mark during Sunday morning. Tides are also expected to rise well above the normal high tide mark for coastal areas between Cape Leeuwin and Israelite Bay during the Monday morning high tide. Tides between Jurien Bay and Cape Leeuwin are expected to rise above the normal high tide mark Monday morning but not as high as Sunday morning. Damaging surf conditions which may lead to coastal erosion and localised damage to coastal infrastructure are possible between Gregory and Cape Leeuwin, with wave heights expected to significantly increase during Sunday and damaging surf conditions possible through to Monday afternoon.

Timeline

Issued Sunday 31 May 2026 at 11:00 am local time. The low pressure system is expected to move east during Monday with sea levels and waves remaining elevated until Monday afternoon. The next Coastal Hazard Warning will be issued by 5:00 pm AWST Sunday.