The skies have blackened over Canberra with a severe weather warning issued for the region. Photo: Claire Fenwicke.
Motorists have been warned to take care on the school pick-up and drive home from work with severe storms expected over Canberra and the surrounds.
A severe weather warning has been issued by the Bureau of Meteorology, covering parts of the Southern Tablelands, South West Slopes, ACT and Snowy Mountains districts.
The thunderstorms are developing along a trough that is stretched over southeastern NSW.
“Severe thunderstorms are likely to produce damaging winds, large hailstones and heavy rainfall that may lead to flash flooding over the next several hours,” the warning stated.
“Locations which may be affected include Canberra, Yass and Mount Ginini.”
A more detailed warning will be issued if more localised storms develop for the Canberra and Queanbeyan areas.
Severe thunderstorms could bring heavy rainfall and flash flooding to parts of Canberra and the Capital region. Photo: BoM.
The State Emergency Service advises people should:
- Move your car under cover or away from trees
- Secure or put away loose items around your house, yard and balcony
- Keep at least 8 metres away from fallen power lines or objects that may be energised, such as fences
- Report fallen power lines to either Ausgrid (131 388), Endeavour Energy (131 003), Essential Energy (132 080) or Evoenergy (131 093) as shown on your power bill
- Trees that have been damaged by fire are likely to be more unstable and more likely to fall
- Keep clear of creeks and storm drains
- Don’t walk, ride your bike or drive through flood water
- If you are trapped by flash flooding, seek refuge in the highest available place and ring 000 if you need rescue
- Be aware that run-off from rainfall in fire affected areas may behave differently and be more rapid. It may also contain debris such as ash, soil, trees and rocks
- After bushfires, heavy rain and the loss of foliage can make the ground soft and heavy, leading to a greater chance of landslides
- Unplug computers and appliances
- Avoid using the phone during the storm
- Stay indoors away from windows, and keep children and pets indoors as well.
For emergency help in floods and storms, ring the SES (NSW and ACT) on 132 500.
