Published on Thursday, 26 March 2026 at 6:58:55 PM

The Shire of Merredin is closely monitoring the weather associated with Cyclone Narelle and is taking proactive steps to prepare, ensuring we can respond quickly and effectively if required. Our teams are inspecting critical infrastructure and maintaining close communication with emergency services to keep the community safe.

The Shire is actively preparing by:

• Inspecting and clearing stormwater drains where possible
• Preparing crews and equipment to respond to fallen trees and debris, including contingencies for the weekend.
• Assessing our response protocols and confirming staff availability to ensure readiness.
• Securing key Shire infrastructure

Prepare Now

Strong winds and heavy rain are possible, so it’s important to:

• Secure Your Yard: Secure loose items such as trampolines, garden furniture, and any other lightweight materials.
• Charge Everything: Plug in phones, laptops, and any portable power banks you own.
• Prepare Sandbags: Protect homes and businesses from floodwater by blocking doorways, drains, and low entrance points.
• Clear Gutters & Drains: Clear any leaves and debris so they can drain freely.
• Prepare an Emergency Kit: Including a portable battery-operated radio, torch, spare batteries, mobile phone and charger, first aid kit, prescription medication and enough food and water for 5–7 days - pets included.

Please refer to www.dfes.wa.gov.au/hazard-information/storm/prepare for further advice.

Important Things to Remember 

Be careful of fallen trees, damaged buildings and debris.

• Stay away from fallen powerlines, they are dangerous and should always be treated as live.
• Be aware that there may be flash flooding in areas around the Shire
• Motorists should drive carefully during wet weather conditions.

Burning Suspended

Due to forecasted weather conditions, the Shire of Merredin Chief Bush Fire Control Officer and Chief Executive Officer have declared a Prohibition of Burning under Section 46 of the Bush Fires Act. This is effective from 6:00am Friday 27 March 2026, until 6:00am Monday 30 March 2026. No burning is permitted during this time.

Gravel Road Closures

Due to the anticipated heavy rainfall, the Shire of Merredin may close its gravel road network to vehicles over 4.5 tonnes, with the exception of school buses. Updates and notifications will be provided through the Shire’s Facebook page and SMS alert system.

To sign up for SMS text alerts regarding Road Closures, please fill out the form available on the Shire's website here  bit.ly/HarvestandFireBans

Sand Available

Sand is available behind the MRCLC Oval for community members who wish to fill sandbags. Please take only what you need, and do not use gravel, as it prevents sandbags from forming properly. Sand bags are available from Merredin SES with a limit of 10 per person.

Stay up to Date

We encourage all community members to stay updated through the Emergency WA website (emergency.wa.gov.au) or download the app and take basic precautions as new information becomes available. Please remember that weather conditions can change rapidly, so please ensure you are prepared and if conditions become severe, avoid travel until the cyclone has safely passed.

Emergency Contacts

We ask that community members contact (08) 9041 1611 to report any fallen trees, debris, or damage. Calls will be diverted to an after-hours contact who will be available to assist.

If you see any damage to power poles or lines, please stay 8 metres clear and make the safe call to Western Power on 13 13 51.      

For damage to properties, please contact Merredin SES on 13 25 00.

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