Trains and traffic brought to a crawl as summer storm sweeps through city
A summer storm has spelled havoc for Perth commuters after the city woke to thunder and heavy rain on Thursday.
A Bureau of Meteorology spokesperson said isolated thunderstorms developed through the early hours of Thursday morning off the coast, moving across land and the Perth metropolitan area around 6am.
As of 8am, Jandakot had recorded the highest rainfall with 0.8 millimetres. The Perth Metro gauge had recorded 0.4 millimetres.
But a deluge of rain, which hit about 8.20am, bumped those numbers up.
“These storms are being driven by a deepening west coast trough in the vicinity,” the bureau spokesperson said.
“The slight chance of a passing storm continues today as the trough lingers in the area.
“A top of 29 degrees is forecast for Perth with low intensity heatwaves ongoing in the area. It should be a mostly sunny day overall, with this passing chance of a shower or storm.”
The weather made for a frustratingly long commute into the city – especially for those travelling by train.
Trains were cancelled on the Mandurah line between Elizabeth Quay and Aubin Grove due to a technical issue, with rail replacement buses running.
“Train replacement buses are running between Elizabeth Quay and Aubin Grove. Please allow extra travelling time and be aware that replacement buses may not connect with timetabled bus and train services,” a Transperth statement read.
“Trains will continue to run between Perth Underground and Elizabeth Quay, and between Aubin Grove and Mandurah.”
Meanwhile, passengers on the Yanchep line were told by a train driver that the rain and lightning was “wreaking havoc on the network”.
Others are being told to disembark from the carriages.
Freeway traffic was also heavy, with drivers urged to use caution on the roads.
Western Power said outages were at a “standard level”, but there were reports on social media pole-top fires caused by electricity travelling across poles during light rain, mist, or high humidity.
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Holly Thompson is a journalist with WAtoday, specialising in education and the environment.Connect via X or email.From our partners
