Storm rips through south-west WA
Residents in the south-west Western Australian town of Australind, north of Bunbury, say the destruction caused by storms which have ripped through the area resembles a war zone.
Gale force winds hit the town just after 1:30am AWST today as a line of thunderstorms crossed the coast.
The Bureau of Meteorology suspects the damage may have been caused by a tornado.
The winds also brought down powerlines, blacking out the area.
Police have also warned of flooding over local roads.
Australind resident Ian Campbell says he arrived at his aunt's house this morning to discover a scene of destruction.
"She's lost a massive patio, sheds are all gone, there's a caravan which is parked down the side of the house, it's demolished across the road," he said.
"The roof's been lifted up and brought back down, tiles off the roof everywhere, it just looks like a war zone."
The storm has caused major damage to about 20 homes in Australind, with residents being forced to leave their homes.
Rick Darlow from the State Emergency Service (SES) says crews have been working through the night to secure homes damaged by high winds and falling trees.
"The guys that are on the ground down there have said that at least 20 of the houses, the residents won't be able to go back into because the damage they've sustained," he said.
"But until daylight sort of comes, then they'll be able to make a better assessment, but residents have been asked to stay with friends and relatives, which they're doing."
The SES says it has also had about 10 reports of damage in the metropolitan area, in suburbs such as Karrinyup, Kelmscott, Myaree and Mount Pleasant.
Police blocked off several roads in the area including Marine Drive, Haliard Parade, the northern end of Leschenault Parade, the northern end of Robertson Road and the southern end of Australind Road.
Perth Tornado
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