Source: Bureau of Meteorology

For people in parts of Canberra and Queanbeyan.

Issued at 2:33 pm Wednesday, 25 February 2026.

VERY DANGEROUS THUNDERSTORM WITH INTENSE RAINFALL, POSSIBLE LARGE HAIL AND DAMAGING WINDS OVER CANBERRA.

The Bureau of Meteorology warns that, at 2:20 pm, a VERY DANGEROUS THUNDERSTORM likely to produce intense rainfall that may lead to dangerous and life-threatening flash flooding, and possible large hailstones and damaging winds was detected near Canberra Civic, Canberra Airport and South Canberra. This thunderstorm is moving towards the east.

Other severe thunderstorms likely to produce heavy, locally intense rainfall that may lead to dangerous and life-threatening flash flooding, and possible large hailstones and damaging winds were detected near Hume and Tidbinbilla Tracking Station. These thunderstorms are moving towards the northeast. They are forecast to affect Queanbeyan by 2:35 pm and Tuggeranong by 2:50 pm.

28.6 mm was recorded at Burra Creek in the 30 minutes to 2:04 pm.

28.6 mm was recorded at Tinderry (Queanbeyan River) in the 30 minutes to 1:30 pm.

23.4 mm was recorded at Jerangle in the 30 minutes to 1:02 pm.

The State Emergency Service advises that people should:
* Park your car under secure cover and away from trees, powerlines and drains.
* 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.
* Stay indoors away from windows, and keep children and pets indoors as well.
For emergency help in flood and storms, ring the SES on 132 500.
Stay updated on the Hazards Near Me NSW app or the ACT ESA website (https://esa.act.gov.au).