Severe Thunderstorm Warning for Greater Canberra and Queanbeyan: Heavy Rainfall and Flash Flooding Risk

Alert Details

The Australian Government Bureau of Meteorology has issued a high-priority Severe Thunderstorm Warning (IDN21036) for heavy rainfall. The alert is classified as a major warning for people in parts of Canberra and Queanbeyan.

Affected Areas

The primary warning zone includes parts of Canberra and Queanbeyan. Specific locations identified in the path of the storm include:

• Tuggeranong and Pine Island (detected at 6:45 pm)
• Belconnen (forecast by 7:15 pm)
• Hall and Gungahlin (forecast by 7:45 pm)

A more general severe thunderstorm warning is also current for the Australian Capital Territory and parts of the Southern Tablelands, South West Slopes, and Snowy Mountains districts.

What You Should Do

The State Emergency Service (SES) advises residents to take the following actions:

• Keep clear of creeks and storm drains.
• Do not walk, ride your bike, or drive through flood water.
• If you are trapped by flash flooding, seek refuge in the highest available place and call 000 if you require rescue.
• Stay indoors away from windows, and ensure children and pets remain indoors.
• For emergency assistance during floods and storms, contact the SES at 132 500.

Expected Conditions

Isolated heavy rainfall is expected as a result of slow-moving thunderstorms. These conditions are likely to produce heavy rainfall that may lead to flash flooding in the affected areas.

Timeline

The warning was issued at 6:49 pm Thursday, 19 March 2026. The thunderstorms were detected near Tuggeranong at 6:45 pm and are expected to impact Belconnen, Hall, and Gungahlin between 7:15 pm and 7:45 pm. The Bureau of Meteorology intends to issue the next update by 7:50 pm.