News Service from House Harris

WA: Severe thunderstorm to hit Perth

PERTH, May 21 AAP - Western Australia is bracing for a severe storm to lash Perth and coastal towns in the southwest on Thursday afternoon.

A severe weather warning has been issued by the Bureau of Meteorology, with heavy showers, a thunderstorm and strong squally winds expected.

The storm is tipped to hit the state between Kalbarri and Esperance including Geraldton, Perth, Bunbury, Busselton and Albany.

State emergency services (SES) has urged residents to be prepared and stay indoors.

The rain will bring welcome relief to farmers and top up water reserves with Perth experiencing its driest autumn on record.