Major storm dumps hail, collapses roofs and cuts power to 150,000 in western Australia
By APMonday, March 22, 2010
Power cut, roofs collapse in major Australia storm
PERTH, Australia — A major storm has caused widespread flooding, collapsed roofs and power cuts to 150,000 customers in the western Australian city of Perth.
The Bureau of Meteorology said the Monday storm carried wind gusts of more than 75 miles per hour (120 kph) as heavy rain and hailstorms deluged the city.
Outbound flights from Perth Airport were halted temporarily when part of the airport’s ceiling collapsed. People were evacuated from the emergency room at Joondalup Hospital after part of the ceiling fell.
Emergency services responded to hundreds of calls for assistance with power lines and trees down, roofs broken and windows smashed.
Perth has had a dry summer with minimal or no rain for months. More storms are forecast for Tuesday.
