Police urge motorists to slow down as wet and wild weather causes traffic havoc

A car ended up in Ginninderra Creek this afternoon. Photos: Karen Widdowson.

ACT Policing is urging motorists to slow down on the roads this afternoon as wet and wild weather is set to continue.

Heavy rainfall in the nation’s capital has caused havoc, with traffic on ACT roads keeping emergency services busy throughout the day.

Just after midday, emergency services were called after reports a car had left the road and had crashed into Ginninderra Creek, in Flynn.

Just before midday, emergency services were called to a car crash on the Gungahlin Drive off-ramp near the Barton Highway.

Its believed the driver had allegedly lost control on a bend, crashed into the bank and flipped onto its roof.

Thankfully, no one was injured.

The Bureau of Meteorology has issued a severe thunderstorm warning for Thursday afternoon (13 December) which is expected to hit the ACT in the coming hours. The weather is expected to deteriorate as the day progress with destructive winds, giant hail and heavy rainfall.

Canberra has seen nearly 40 millimetres of rainfall since midnight, creating chaos on the road.

Officer in Charge of Traffic Operations, Acting Station Sergeant David Wills is urging Canberrans to slow down on the road.

“In wet weather conditions like those forecast for later today, we urge motorists to take additional care on the roads, allow for considerable extra stopping distance, and to drive to the conditions,” he said.

“We encourage motorists to turn their headlights on, and then to remember to turn them off when they reach their destination.

“If the weather deteriorates to a point where you do not feel comfortable driving, don’t be afraid to wait for conditions to improve. Pull over to the left of the road when it is safe to do so, and put your hazard lights on so other road users are aware of your vehicle.”