The Bureau of Meteorology has issued a warning for severe thunderstorms in Canberra this evening. Images: BOM.
The thousands of people attending Spilt Milk at EPIC today are set to be caught in a thunderstorm, with heavy rain expected across the capital.
The Bureau of Meteorology has issued a warning for large hailstones, damaging winds and heavy rainfall in Canberra this afternoon (Saturday, 25 November).
“The Bureau of Meteorology warns that, at 4:45 pm, severe thunderstorms were detected on the weather radar near Wee Jasper,” a spokesperson said.
“These thunderstorms are moving towards the east.
“They are forecast to affect Belconnen, Canberra Civic, Hall, Gungahlin and Canberra Airport by 5:45 pm.
“Large hailstones, damaging winds and heavy rainfall that may lead to flash flooding are likely.”
Thunderstorms are also likely in parts of the Southern Tablelands, South West Slopes, Snowy Mountains and Central Tablelands Forecast Districts.
The Bureau said a surface trough in combination with an approaching upper disturbance has lead to the development of isolated severe thunderstorms across the south east this afternoon.
Storms are generally moving to the east and may persist into the early evening.
“Severe thunderstorms are likely to produce large hailstones, heavy rainfall that may lead to flash flooding and damaging winds in the warning area over the next several hours. Locations which may be affected include Canberra, Cooma, Yass, Bredbo, Adaminaby and Nimmitabel,” a spokesperson said.
Thunderstorms are also likely in parts of the Southern Tablelands, South West Slopes, Snowy Mountains and Central Tablelands Forecast Districts.
The State Emergency Service (SES) advises that 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.
- 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.
- 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.
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