Severe weather update - ACT

To 9am this morning 37.8mm has been recorded at the Canberra Airport, 32.2mm at Tuggeranong and 50mm in the wider region. The Oaks Estate bridge was closed at 10:41am this morning due to water over the road.

Showers will continue throughout the day with up to 6mm forecast to 10pm tonight. Severe thunderstorms are possible for the ACT this afternoon and may produce locally damaging wind gusts, hail and heavy rain.

The ACT State Emergency Service is closely monitoring the flood risk to the ACT.

At this stage the risk associated with riverine flooding to the ACT remains low, but the situation could change quickly.

We are asking the community to take the following actions to stay safe:

•   Never drive, ride or walk through floodwater
•   Stay clear of rivers, creeks and stormwater drains as waterways are rising slowly due to the persistent rain
•   Do not swim, kayak or undertake other water sports in swollen rivers or creeks
•   Clear roofs and gutters of debris
•   Drive safely to the road conditions

We also ask that parents talk to their children about the risk of playing in or around stormwater drains or creeks, and encourage their children to share this with their peers. Everyone should stay clear of stormwater drains and creeks during significant rainfall events.

More information on road closures is available at www.cityservices.act.gov.au/roads-and-paths/act_public_road_closures

For assistance in a storm or flood call the ACTSES on 132 500, in a life-threatening emergency call Triple Zero (000).

Visit www.esa.act.gov.au/be-emergency-ready or www.bom.gov.au for more information.