Severe Thunderstorm Warning Issued for Pilbara District and Onslow, Western Australia
The Bureau of Meteorology has issued a high-priority warning for damaging winds and heavy rainfall across parts of the Pilbara district, including Onslow.
Alert Details
The Australian Government Bureau of Meteorology (BOM) has issued a top-priority Severe Thunderstorm Warning for damaging winds and heavy rainfall. The alert was issued at 6:29 pm local time on Sunday, 1 March 2026, for residents in parts of the Pilbara district in Western Australia.
Affected Areas
The warning specifically targets the western parts of the Pilbara district. Locations that may be affected by the developing storm system include Onslow.
What You Should Do
The Department of Fire and Emergency Services (DFES) advises residents to take immediate safety precautions:
- Seek Shelter: If outside, find safe shelter away from trees, power lines, storm water drains, and streams.
- Stay Indoors: Close curtains and blinds, and stay away from windows. Unplug electrical appliances and avoid using landline telephones if there is lightning.
- Flood Protection: If flooding occurs, create sandbags using pillowcases filled with sand to protect doorways.
- Water Safety: If boating, swimming, or surfing, leave the water immediately.
- Travel Safety: Do not drive into water of unknown depth or current. Slow down and turn on headlights. If heavy rain prevents visibility, pull over and park with hazard lights on until conditions clear.
Expected Conditions
A moist airmass and a surface trough are producing severe thunderstorms this afternoon and into the evening. These storms are likely to produce damaging winds and heavy rainfall that may lead to flash flooding in the warning area over the next several hours.
Timeline
The warning was issued at 6:29 pm on Sunday, 1 March 2026. The Bureau of Meteorology expects the conditions to persist through the evening, with the next official update scheduled to be issued by 9:30 pm Sunday.
Source: BOM Official Notice