Motorists have been urged to take care during the after-school pick-up run and commute home from work with severe thunderstorms predicted for the Capital Region, Riverina and parts of NSW this afternoon (22 August).
The Bureau of Meteorology has warned severe thunderstorms accompanied by damaging winds and large hailstones could be expected in the warning areas over the next several hours.
“Moisture and instability ahead of a cold front are resulting in the development of severe thunderstorms this afternoon,” the BoM stated.
Goulburn, Yass, Young, Wagga Wagga, Tumbarumba and Junee could also be hit.
The State Emergency Service advises people should:
- Move your car under cover or away from trees, especially trees that have been damaged by fire as they may be unstable and more likely to fall
- 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
- Unplug computers and appliances
- Avoid using the phone during the storm
- Stay indoors away from windows, and keep children and pets indoors as well
- Stay vigilant and monitor conditions. Note that the landscape may have changed following bushfires
For emergency help in floods and storms, ring the SES (NSW and ACT) on 132 500.
The next warning is due to be issued by 6:55 pm.
Original Article published by Claire Fenwicke on Riotact.