ASBESTOS WARNING: Emergency WA issues a storm watch and act for Tom Price

A severe storm that swept through Tom Price has left the town vulnerable to asbestos, according to the Department of Fire and Emergency Services. A storm watch and act is still in place from Wednesday as a severe thunderstorm affected parts of the Pilbara and Mid West-Gascoyne. The Emergency WA alert is advising people not to disturb building material and to report any asbestos found to the State Emergency Service on 132 500. There are also temporary school closures at Tom Price Senior High School, Tom Price Primary School, and North Tom Price Primary School. Parents and carers are being asked to keep their children home. According to the Bureau of Meteorology, a surface trough through the Gascoyne and Pilbara in a moist and unstable air mass produced severe thunderstorms in central WA on Wednesday afternoon. A community member took to Facebook and said: “Tom Price was hit by some wild weather . . . basically a mini cyclone.” “There are lots of trees down, damaged roofs and plenty of scared kids. Hopefully everyone is ok.” Emergency WA advice: Head to www.emergency.wa.gov.au for more information.