Extreme downpour triggers flash flooding in Perth

Perth’s dry spell coming to a crashing end. The ceiling at Ocean Quay shopping centre collapsing as the rain returned with a vengeance. Swapped up. Cars quickly submerged. Some drivers trapped as roads became rivers. In our northern suburbs, this normally is like a driveway and there’s like school there. Those cars were in the in their carport and they’re rolled off. There’s no ignition on or anything, they’re just doing that by themselves. Paul Jenkin was at work when the rain started, so I’ve just raced home. Yeah, raced home to save the dogs really, ’cause the dogs were actually under half underwater. Returning to his flooded Santa Clara Crescent home we’ve had. Yeah, popped up to a metre of water through the front of the house and he wasn’t alone. Every room’s got some damage. There’s water come in through all the all the windows and the the carpets and anything that was on the floors. Worse for wear. Authorities receiving 45 calls for help from midday as the rain kept coming. 104 millimetres falling in Clarkson, Butler and Ridgewood in just an hour. And I’ve been here for in, well, a rough round. These are over 16 years now. I’ve never seen anything like this. This is crazy. I can’t believe it. Ridgewood streets covered in hail. It’s snowing roofs and front lawns resembling a winter Wonderland as residents were forced to stay indoors. It’s not Perth weather, is it? This brand? First time of year. Just. I don’t know when my little boy went out there before, so Oh my God, Snow. I was like, no, not really. For some, like Hara Adams and his friends, the downpour became a playground. I’m just clanking trying to get on the 9 News ’cause a low. The weather Bureau had been monitoring offshore. We weren’t expecting it to get as close to the coast as it has and it’s just brushed on those northern suburbs. And with it, it’s bought some exceptionally heavy rain and severe thunderstorms. I’ve been doing this job a long time. 100 mills in under now in the Perth metropolitan area is fairly unprecedented. Well, Clarkson was the suburb worst hit by the surprise downpour. Let’s go live now to Michael Stamp. Who’s there for us? Michael, how are the water levels looking now? Well, Michael, water levels are starting to subside now, but given the rain has barely stopped all afternoon, it’s a really slow process. Riverlings Dr. Is where I’m standing right now is where authorities say is the worst spot hit. Now emergency services revealing this is a low point and all the water is being collected here. What they’re doing right now is assessing all the options they have available to them to remove the water. But when that might happen is unclear. But residents in these streets some who have been trapped for hours are hoping it’s as soon as possible. Michael amazing that water is still there. Michael, thank you. And a major clean up is ahead for the suburbs. Hardest hit. Let’s go live now to Rachel Clifford. Rachel. Authorities are already getting started. That’s right Michael. The clean up is well and truly underway. Crews quickly snapping into action to remove the debris, luturing the grounds which is now allowing them to reopen at the roads just behind me this afternoon. D fairs have been door knocking, just a couple of residents just to make sure that they’re OK and to assess the damage of their homes. Now D fairs are warning people to be sensible tonight and to not drive through any floodwaters. And Michael of people do return home or find them selves in any trouble at all. They should call emergency services.