Rain on the Lake Burley Griffin foreshore. Photo: Michelle Kroll.
Canberra’s Emergency Services Agency (ESA) has warned heavy rainfall and potentially windy weather is due to hit the ACT tonight (19 April).
Residents are being warned of possible severe thunderstorms occurring anywhere from 8pm to midnight, bringing with them heavy falls of up to 20mm and possible damaging winds.
Bureau of Meteorology senior meteorologist Jordan Notara said he’s currently watching a band of storms moving east across inland NSW.
“The risk is storms could develop on the southern end of this band, impacting the ACT,” he said.
“It’s more likely Yass and Goulburn regions, and potentially northern parts of Canberra, will be impacted.”
The risk associated with the storms comes from their speed.
“These will be quick and fast, with bursts of heavy rain and strong wind,” Mr Notara said.
“There’s also the risk of horizontal rain, which is extremely hazardous for drivers.”
It’s due to a low pressure system that’s moving east over southern inland NSW, extending a cold front northwards over inland parts of the state with relatively moist and unstable air to its east.
Residents are being urged to prepare their homes for the potential storms now.
This includes moving cars under cover and away from trees and securing loose items around the home and garden.
Settled but cooler weather is expected for tomorrow (Wednesday 20 April).
ACTSES will be on call to make temporary repairs and ensure any impacted areas are safe, which includes tarping roofs and making fallen trees safe on private land.
For help during floods and storms you can reach ACTSES on 131 500.
In a life-threatening situation dial Triple Zero (000).
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