Summer Storm Hits the Valley

Nicholas helping with the clean up.

While we were hoping for a weather change during one of our longest, hottest summers, it seems the weather gods took the memo a little too literally, sending us the most intense storm we’ve ever encountered in the Valley.

The morning of the 16th of January was hot and still, and we were busily watering aviaries and topping up water tubs in readiness for another scorcher. Come mid-morning, however, a cloud front to the north was noted, and an unusual north east wind picked up. A quick message to our weather guru volunteer Ryan confirmed that a worrying storm front was building north of Perth, and making its way towards the Sanctuary.

Over 40C before 10 am.

Reports of lightening starting fires were noted on social media, and soon the Valley began to get dark. Chris was at home solo, so began running the sprinklers in readiness for dry lightning, followed by dropping animal marquees which could be damaged in wind. 

Time for storm preparations was limited, however, as in a blink, the wind, thunder and sideways rain arrived. 

Lightening forks could be seen hitting the ground, but the noise of the thunder was drowned out by the gale forced winds. Tree canopy began to fall and it was difficult to see where the animals were for debris and hail. 

The storm was brutal but short lived, and within ten minutes the rain stopped. 

We dashed down to the lamb house, the area which seemed the worst hit. Luckily the babies were shaken but safe, and Nougat the goat was already enjoying the leafy snacks the heavens had provided. 

Running up to the top paddocks, we noticed the damage was much worse than we first thought. 

Nicholas ram had lost his shelter, and he could hardly move for tree material, but thankfully, he was ok. 

Digby’s flock had lost an entire shelter. Their patio area was damaged, and fences everywhere were broken or weighed down by branches – but the flock were all alive and well. We still don’t know how, but all the animals had managed to get through the tree fall uninjured. 

Nicholas surveying the damage.

Within an hour of the storm, some of our incredible volunteer crew were onsite helping triage the cleanup to ensure the animals were comfortable overnight. It was hot and humid, and the sound of chainsaws filled the air as we began clearing the roadways and checking water troughs were intact and full. 

Two busy bees and many weekends later, the clean up is almost complete, but the skyline at the Valley will never be the same following the massive storm that day. 

Thank you to the incredible team who helped clean, chainsaw and repair fences, and all our supporters who donated to assist with shelter rebuilds. This was such an incredible response from the PVAS community following a very worrying event.