The Bureau of Meteorology has issued a severe thunderstorm warning for Canberra and Queanbeyan, with the threat of damaging winds and large hailstones.
“The Bureau of Meteorology warns that, at 4pm, severe thunderstorms likely to produce damaging winds and large hailstones were detected near Jugiong and Wee Jasper. These thunderstorms are moving towards the east. They are forecast to affect Belconnen, Canberra Civic, Queanbeyan, Tuggeranong, Hall, Gungahlin, Canberra Airport, South Canberra, Weston Creek and Woden Valley by 5pm.”
The State Emergency Service 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.
* 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.