The Bureau of Meteorology (BOM) has issued severe thunderstorm warnings for Canberra and Queanbeyan, announcing potential dangers from intense rainfall, large hailstones, and damaging wind gusts.
The storm was first identified moving across the northern parts of the Australian Capital Territory (ACT) and Bungendore, with the BOM warning of its severity at 4:23 PM: "Very dangerous thunderstorm, with intense rainfall and large to possibly giant hail and damaging wind gusts." The alert also noted the observation of hailstones measuring between 3 to 4 centimeters around 3:30 PM.
The Bureau's update indicated the storm was making its way to the northeast toward various suburbs, including Belconnen and Gungahlin. By 4:30 PM, dark storm clouds could be seen approaching the Murrumbateman area, and winds recorded between 40 to 50 km/h at Canberra Airport were noted just before 4 PM. Queanbeyan saw winds reaching up to 35 km/h, indicating the potential for hazardous conditions as the storm approached.
The BOM issued the initial severe thunderstorm warning just after 3 PM, signaling the need for residents to prepare. At 3:20 PM, they confirmed: "A severe thunderstorm likely to produce heavy, locally intense rainfall may lead to dangerous and life-threatening flash flooding, large hailstones, and damaging wind gusts was detected near Canberra Civic, Tuggeranong, Canberra Airport, South Canberra, Weston Creek, and Woden Valley." This thunderstorm was forecasted to impact Belconnen and Queanbeyan by approximately 3:50 PM and Gungahlin by 4:20 PM.
With the threat of severe weather looming, the State Emergency Service (SES) has provided residents with key safety guidelines. They urged individuals to take necessary precautions, including moving vehicles under cover or away from trees and securing loose items around their homes and yards. The SES highlighted the hazardous nature of fallen power lines, advising residents to maintain at least 8 meters of distance from any downed lines or objects possibly energized, such as fences.
Essential safety steps include:
- Advising against walking, biking, or driving through flood waters.
- If trapped by flash flooding, seeking refuge on the highest available ground and calling for help at 000.
- Unplugging computers and appliances to avoid damage from potential power surges.
- Staying indoors away from windows during the storm and ensuring pets and children remain indoors.
Timely updates from the BOM show the significance of heeding these warnings. Residents are reminded to be vigilant about the latest weather information and to prepare adequately for changing conditions. The BOM's severity warning coupled with SES safety measures highlights the need for awareness and rapid response during these unpredictable weather occurrences.
Staying informed during these severe thunderstorms is not just prudent but necessary, as lives and property may be at stake. With forecasters keeping watch on the storm's path, local authorities are working to provide timely updates to the community, striving to keep residents safe and informed as challenging weather conditions develop.