Towering waves exceeding 7 metres are expected to hit the Perth coast as the first in a series of strong winter cold fronts begins battering the city this morning.

The Bureau of Meteorology has issued a severe weather alert with damaging winds and heavy rain expected to persist through to Wednesday.

“This weather system is expected to be windier and longer lasting than a typical front and is likely to produce the kind of weather that is only seen about once per year,” a spokesman said.

“The cold front is expected to impact the western coast late Monday morning, pushing eastwards into the afternoon.

“Significant thunderstorms are possible along the front itself as it reaches the coast, as well as in westerly winds following the passage of the front.

“Showers and thunderstorms are likely along the front, as well as in westerly winds in its wake.”

The spokesman said significant wave heights exceeding 7 metres with periods of around 16 seconds are expected in some locations.

“Sustained heavy surf conditions are likely to persist until late Wednesday and tides are also likely to be higher than forecast,” he said.

“Locations which may be affected include exposed coasts near Albany, Bunbury, Geraldton, Mandurah, Margaret River and Perth.“

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