Overview

• A rotating funnel cloud swept through Frankland River on Tuesday, overturning a ute and leaving a two-minute trail of destroyed trees and vehicle damage.
• An active low-pressure system produced golf ball-sized hail in Wagin, where residents reported smashed roofs and dented cars.
• The Bureau of Meteorology plans to send a specialist team to confirm the tornado touchdown and conduct a detailed damage assessment.
• Forecasters predict the same system will brush the south-west coast on Wednesday, bringing up to 100 mm of rain and further gale-force winds.
• Australia averages 30 to 80 tornadoes annually, with late spring ‘cold season’ funnels linked to vigorous thunderstorm activity.