Severe Thunderstorm Warning Issued for ACT and Southeast New South Wales Districts

Alert Details

The Australian Government Bureau of Meteorology (BOM) has issued a Severe Thunderstorm Warning (IDN21033) for heavy rainfall and large hailstones. This top-priority alert was issued at 5:08 pm on Friday, March 20, 2026, for parts of the Southern Tablelands, South West Slopes, Snowy Mountains, and the Australian Capital Territory.

Affected Areas

The warning covers specific geographic regions including parts of the Southern Tablelands, South West Slopes, Snowy Mountains, and the ACT. Specific locations that may be impacted include:

• Cooma
• Mount Ginini
• Adaminaby
• Captains Flat
• Tidbinbilla
• Bredbo

Expected Conditions

A surface trough combined with an approaching upper trough is producing heavy, slow-moving showers and thunderstorms. These conditions are likely to result in:

• Heavy Rainfall: Potential for flash flooding in affected areas.
• Large Hailstones: Expected to accompany the severe storms over the next several hours.

What You Should Do

The State Emergency Service (SES) advises residents in the warning zone to take the following precautions:

• Park vehicles under secure cover and away from trees, powerlines, and drains.
• Secure or put away loose items around houses, yards, and balconies.
• Keep clear of creeks and storm drains.
• Do not walk, ride, or drive through flood water.
• If trapped by flash flooding, seek refuge in the highest available place and call 000 for rescue.
• Stay indoors away from windows; keep children and pets indoors.
• For emergency help in floods and storms, contact the SES at 132 500.

Timeline

The alert was issued at 5:08 pm Friday and is expected to remain active through the evening. Storms are forecast to ease later tonight. The next official update from the Bureau of Meteorology is scheduled for 8:10 pm. If severe conditions develop specifically for Canberra and Queanbeyan, a more detailed warning will be issued.