The Bureau of Meteorology is predicting likely severe thunderstorms across the ACT this afternoon, with the chance of severe and damaging winds, heavy rainfall and large hail.

To stay safe during this time the ACT State Emergency Service recommends to:

• Move your car under cover and 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
• Stay indoors away from windows
• Remember to never drive, walk or ride through floodwater

If you are travelling, please take extra caution on the roads and drive to the conditions.

For assistance in a storm or flood call the ACTSES on 132 500, in a life-threatening emergency call Triple Zero (000).

The weather conditions can change rapidly, check http://www.bom.gov.au/act/ for weather updates and warnings.

A severe thunderstorm warning has also been issued for parts of Southern NSW which are likely to produce large hailstones, heavy rainfall that may lead to flash flooding and damaging winds. Locations which may be affected include Cooma, Bombala, Jindabyne and Nimmitabel.