ACT braces for heavy rain, hail and damaging winds

A severe thunderstorm warning has been issued for Canberra this afternoon.

The Bureau of Meteorology warns that a cold front travelling across inland NSW may bring damaging storms, and people should prepare for destructive winds, large hailstones, and heavy rain that could lead to flash flooding.

The affected locations include Canberra, Yass, Dubbo, Parkes, Wagga Wagga, Albury, Griffith, Cobar and Bourke.

The clouds have rolled in to Canberra this afternoon. Picture: Dion Georgopoulos

The State Emergency Service advises people to move their cars away from trees, secure loose items around the house and to keep eight metres away from fallen power lines and other energised objects.

The SES reminds people to not walk, ride their bike or drive through flood waters, and if trapped by flash flooding, to seek refuge in the highest place and call 000 if they need to be rescued

People are advised to 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.

For emergency help in floods and storms, ring the SES (NSW and ACT) on 132 500.

A thunderstorm warning has issued for inland NSW and ACT. Picture: Bureau of Meteorology