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The Canberra Times
The Canberra Times
Peter Brewer

More severe storms possible for Canberra, after two hit on Boxing Day

There is the chance of severe thunderstorms returning on Wednesday, which is set to be another wet day in the nation's capital, the Bureau of Meteorology says.

The bureau said there was a high chance of showers, becoming less likely late this afternoon and evening. It predicted up to 8mm of rain.

"A thunderstorm [is] likely, possibly severe," it said.

But there is the likelihood of a reprieve on the way. The chance of rain on Thursday and Friday drops to 30 per cent, although the chance of a thunderstorm remains on each day.

The long weekend is likely to be drier, but then a higher chance of rain and storms returns on Tuesday.

There's more rain forecast for Canberra. Picture by Keegan Carroll

The bureau issued warnings about 4pm and 7pm on Boxing Day, saying severe thunderstorms redeveloped near Canberra.

The second warning was cancelled at about 8.30pm when the bureau reported the severe thunderstorms were no longer affecting Canberra and Queanbeyan.

"The immediate threat of severe thunderstorms has passed, but the situation will continue to be monitored and further warnings will be issued if necessary."

Earlier in the night, the bureau had warned that severe thunderstorms were likely to "produce damaging winds, large hailstones and heavy rainfall that may lead to flash flooding were detected near Tuggeranong, Weston Creek, Woden Valley and Lake George".

The bureau's 7pm warning, right.

Earlier in the afternoon, another fierce storm cell tracked south, bringing hail and driving rain over the east of Canberra and into Queanbeyan, with the unsettled weather delaying flights into Canberra Airport.

The Bureau of Meteorology had warned the severe thunderstorm would likely produce "damaging winds, large hailstones and heavy rainfall that may lead to flash flooding".

Flash flooding affected areas near Lake George and the intersection of the Federal Highway and Sutton Road.

The storm went through as forecast at Queanbeyan and Canberra Airport around 4.40pm and Hume around 5.10pm.

The State Emergency Service advised people should:

  • Move cars 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.

Small and intense storms cells passing through, shredded trees, random power outages and a near-capacity water storage have been the Christmas weather period pattern for the ACT but the unsettled conditions are gradually easing, bringing a cloudy and warm transition to the New Year.

A super-intense, lightning-filled storm cell swept through the local regional areas of Gundaroo, Bungendore, Gunning and Yass just as many local families were preparing the Christmas dinner.

Around 4.05pm on Sunday, 5600 Bungendore residents experienced a shortage lasting less than a minute before network protection kicked in, but further afield, residents were reporting outages lasting much longer.

As the storm cells swung down from the north-west, local area residents reported hail, fierce wind gusts, brief but significant rainfall - with 75mm recorded in 20 minutes by one Gundaroo resident - trees down and whirlwinds of shredded leaves.

Upcoming ACT forecast

Wednesday - minimum 12, maximum 24. 80% chance of rain. Partly cloudy, high chance of showers and likely a thunderstorm, possibly severe.

Thursday - minimum 13, maximum 28. 30% chance of rain. Mostly sunny, slight chance of a shower and a chance of a thunderstorm.

Friday - minimum 14, maximum 28. 30% chance of rain. Partly cloudy, slight chance of a shower and a chance of a thunderstorm.

Saturday - minimum 13, maximum 28. 10% chance of rain. Sunny.

Sunday (New Year's Eve) - minimum 12, maximum 23. 10% chance of rain. Cloudy, slight chance of a shower.

Monday - minimum 13, maximum 25. 30% chance of rain. Cloudy, slight chance of a shower.

Tuesday - minimum 14, maximum 28. 30% chance of rain. Partly cloudy, medium chance of showers and a chance of a thunderstorm.

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