Australia Weather News

More than 10,000 homes and businesses in Perth are without power after a strong cold front lashed the city.

Authorities have also fielded 55 requests for assistance from across the metro area due to storm damage.

Perth Airport said more than 50 flights had been impacted, and delays of about an hour were expected to clear the backlog.

The storm has also caused peak hour traffic chaos on the Kwinana and Mitchell Freeways as well as Roe and Tonkin Highways.

Flooding was also reported on Lloyd St in Midland.

Damaging winds and rain are expected to continue affecting Perth's eastern suburbs into the evening.

The Bureau of Meteorology's Bob Tarr said over the past few hours residents have seen damaging winds, hail and heavy rains.

113 kph winds

"We did have 113 kilometre-an-hour gusts at Gooseberry Hill, certainly strong enough to bring down a lot of power lines," Mr Tarr said.

"For the most part it's been the winds but also maybe some heavy rainfall has brought down branches."

"There are reports of up to about 40 to 50 millimetres [of rain] in a pretty short period of time at some private weather stations."

Mr Tarr advises residents in affected areas to remain aware and not to drive through flood waters.

He's optimistic weather conditions will "quieten down" through Perth's metropolitan area by the evening.

Disruption to business

The Swan Veterinary Hospital said they had sustained major damage.

“Due to the massive storm that has just hit we have had to immediately close the clinic,” they wrote on Facebook.

"Rest assure patients and staff are unharmed."

“Please be patient as we attempt to deal with this issue! We will be closed until further notice!”

Perth Airport said the thunderstorm caused delays to more than 50 flights.

"This is due to staff not being permitted onto the airfield during the thunderstorm for safety reasons," a spokesperson said in a statement.

"Aircraft were still able to land during this time.

"Operations have returned to normal however delays are expected."