Topic: WA Severe Storms: 22 October 2008

[Kristy Norman]

This storm was near Dongara W.A heading south east at 4pm, 22Oct 08.
It looked like it was rotating and had a very impressive lightning display.
It caused a lot of damage due to very large hail and uprooted trees.

[Michael Bath]

Thanks for that report Kristy - have you heard any more about the size of the hail or damage to other areas ?

There have been severe thunderstorm warnings over 4 consecutive days in WA. This is the warning that the WA BoM issued for the Central West region on 22nd Oct:

TOP PRIORITY FOR IMMEDIATE BROADCAST
SEVERE THUNDERSTORM WARNING
for Damaging Winds, Large Hail and Flash Flooding
For people in the inland Central West, Central Wheatbelt, eastern Great
Southern, Southeast Coastal, southwest Goldfields and adjacent South Coastal
Districts.
Issued at 3:10 pm on Wednesday 22 October 2008

People are advised that there is a risk of severe thunderstorms during this
afternoon and evening. Storms may be accompanied by very heavy rainfall
conducive to flash flooding, large hail and strong winds that could result in
damage to property.

At 3:00pm Geraldton radar showed a line of possible severe thunderstorms through
inland parts of the Central West, moving to the southeast.
The FESA - State Emergency Service advises that people should be aware of
thunderstorms. As storms approach secure loose items and move vehicles under
cover. If lightning accompanies the storm disconnect non essential electrical
appliances and avoid using the phone. Stay indoors until the storms have
passed. If you are caught outside seek shelter away from trees and metal
structures. Driving conditions will be hazardous. Should flash flooding occur,
avoid affected roads, watercourses and floodways in the vicinity until safe to
proceed.

The next warning will be issued by 5:30 pm Wednesday.

The radar achives are pretty poor but the attached image is about the time of the storm in question.

[Kristy Norman]

Cunderdin Airfield reported wind gusts of 96 kmph at 3:37pm.
I hope to go out later today and take some pics of the damage. The hail mainly did crop damage and the wind knocked a few big trees over.

[Kristy Norman]

Here are some more pics of the storm looking east towards Mingenew.

[Jimmy Deguara]

Kristy,

It is defionitely mamatus as you suggest. Obviously with such a back sheared anvil, there must have been some rapidly development on that day.

Regards,

Jimmy Deguara