The state emergency services have responded to more than 20 callouts across Canberra as severe thunderstorms struck the city on Friday night.
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The Bureau of Meteorology had warned storms would bring heavy rainfall.
Places that may be affected by the storm included Canberra, Eden, Cooma, Yass, Parkes and Wagga Wagga, as well as Albury, Griffith, Tibooburra, Cobar, Bourke and Ivanhoe.
The ACT State Emergency Service said all the jobs were on the southside with flooding and a few trees down.
"Five ACTSES volunteer crews are responding with assistance from ACT Fire & Rescue crews. A further two ACTSES units are also standing up," a statement from the service said.
Bureau forecaster Neale Fraser said the storms due to come in on Friday evening were expected to last a few hours.
He said the weather was looking good for New Year's Eve, with a minimum of 19 degrees overnight and a maximum of 33 degrees.
"And then looks like Sunday, the New Year's day, there's a medium chance, round about 40 per cent or 50 per cent, of showers," he said. "The morning will start off quite clear, lots of sun, but there's a chance for showers in the afternoon and the evening."
In the thunderstorm warning issued at about 3pm the Bureau has warned of the possibility of flash flooding and damaging winds.
The State Emergency Service has advised that people should:
- Move your car 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 on 131 388, or Endeavour Energy on 131 003 or Essential Energy on 132 080, 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.
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