ACT residents are being urged to prepare for large hailstones, heavy rainfall and damaging wind later this afternoon.
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The Bureau of Meteorology has issued a severe thunderstorm warning for the territory as "thunderstorms are likely to impact the eastern side of ACT and central Canberra".
In a tweet, the weather bureau said it would be "another stormy and unsettled day for Canberra and the ACT on Boxing Day with showers and thunderstorms forecast.
"Storms may become severe during the day. Cooler and drier conditions returning from Monday," it said.
The severe weather warning also extends to surrounding NSW regions, including the Southern Tablelands, South Coast, Snowy Mountains.
"Thunderstorms are likely to produce damaging winds, large hailstones and heavy rainfall that may lead to flash flooding in the warning area for southern and central ranges over the next several hours," the bureau said.
The ACT State Emergency Service advises to:
- Move your car under cover or away from trees.
- Secure or put away loose items around your house, yard and balcony.
- Keep clear of creeks and storm drains.
- Stay indoors away from windows, and keep children and pets indoors as well.
- 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.
- Trees that have been damaged by fire are likely to be more
- unstable and more likely to fall.
- 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.
- Be aware that run-off from rainfall in fire affected areas may behave differently and be more rapid. It may also contain debris such as ash, soil, trees and rocks.
- After bushfires, heavy rain and the loss of foliage can make the ground soft and heavy, leading to a greater chance of landslides.
- Unplug computers and appliances.
- Stay indoors away from windows, and keep children and pets indoors as well.
- Stay vigilant and monitor conditions. Note that the landscape may have changed following bushfires.
The latest warning comes as the territory experienced similar weather earlier this week with nearly 1500 homes' power wiped out.
For help in a storm or flood, call the ACTSES on 132 500.
In a life-threatening emergency, call triple zero.
The next warning is due to be issued by 6.35pm.
If severe thunderstorms develop in Sydney, Newcastle Wollongong or surrounding areas or Canberra and Queanbeyan, a more detailed severe thunderstorm warning will be issued to people in these areas.
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