A sudden storm that swept through Canberra on Wednesday caused flash flooding and forced the evacuation of a large shopping centre.
More than 25 millimetres of rain fell within an hour after the storm struck about 4pm, the Bureau of Meteorology reported.
The heavy rainfall inundated roads and homes, and flooding blocked lanes of Parkes Way, an arterial road near the city centre.
Witnesses said at least one car was temporarily abandoned in the rising water.
About 3,000 homes lost power at the peak of the storm.
Some properties in Belconnen had still not been reconnected this morning.
The ACT Emergency Services Agency (ESA) received about 50 requests for help in the wake of the storm.
A spokesperson said most of the calls related to damaged homes and businesses.
Crews worked through the night responding to calls.
The CBD's main shopping complex, the Canberra Centre, was evacuated as water poured in through its ceiling, flooding stores on both levels.
Videos taken by shoppers show water streaming through light fixtures.
Courtney Holmes told the ABC she and others at the centre's cinema were forced to leave midway through a film.
"Missed the ending of Avatar — there was water throughout the whole centre, crazy," she said.
The ESA called up SES volunteers to help deal with the aftermath through the night.
"Our team of teams are set to work into the evening, in an attempt to clear all outstanding jobs tonight," a spokesperson said.
"Please be patient with them while they respond."
The agency also urged motorists to beware of debris, including downed trees.
