Canberra’s storm season began today, running until the end of April, and the ACT is likely to experience “very intense thunderstorms”, the ACT State Emergency Service warns.
“Launch of the storm season means it’s time to prepare Canberra – and we want you to chat, plan, act,” ACTSES Chief Officer Steve Forbes said.
Storms can strike with little warning, bringing torrential rain, damaging winds, hailstones and lightning that can cause flash flooding, damage buildings, and bring down trees and powerlines.
“Power outages, blocked roads, and loss of phone or internet services can leave you isolated or without access to help,” Dr Marisa Paterson, Minister for Police, Fire and Emergency Services, said.
“They can come with no notice, and they can do really big damage to you, your family, and your property and your precious things,” Mr Forbes said. “So now it’s time to prepare, to think about what a severe storm might do to your place. How will your place hold up in a severe thunderstorm?
“Chat amongst your family; chat amongst your neighbours; chat amongst your workplace. Come up with a plan. How are you going to react when we put out storm warnings? What actions do you need to take around your house?”
The Bureau of Meteorology is predicting hot, dry weather and unstable atmospheric conditions.
“Some of the most intense storms in Canberra have happened in our driest years,” Mr Forbes said.
The January 2020 hailstorm, for instance, known as ‘Hailgeddon’, struck while bushfires blazed around the region, and caused $600 million in damage. It smashed skylights and dented the roof of the Shine Dome; killed hundreds of flying foxes; and dented 44,500 cars.
ACTSES recommends that people go onto the ESA website and make an emergency plan. They should clear gutters and downpipes, which makes the house less flammable in a bushfire and stops water flowing back into the house during storms; fix roof leaks; trim trees; secure outdoor furniture and trampolines to the ground; and make sure home and contents insurance is up to date.
Householders should prepare properties before storms, while property owners are responsible for permanent repairs.
“Make sure you’re dealing with those niggling issues around the house,” Mr Forbes said.
“Our SES volunteers are always at the ready to make temporary repairs should you get storm damage. If you do need help from the SES, our fantastic volunteers are always there, ready to help to make temporary safe measures around your house.”
The Bureau of Meteorology is introducing a seven-day storm outlook, which Mr Forbes said would help people plan travel and outdoor activities ahead of potentially severe weather.
ACTSES has nearly 400 volunteers, and plans to recruit more later this year.
The service is also exercising response arrangements with ACT Fire & Rescue, the ACT Rural Fire Service and City Services.
ACTSES received more than 800 requests for assistance during the 2025-26 storm season, largely because of overland flooding and storm damage. In the previous season, 2024-25, it received 1,030 requests for storm or flood assistance.
For storm and flood assistance, call ACTSES on 132 500.
