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The Canberra Times
The Canberra Times
National
Lucy Bladen

Rain to ease over weekend

Canberra has received more than its average monthly March rainfall in three days. Picture: Dion Georgopoulos

Canberra has received more than the average monthly March rainfall in three days according to the Bureau of Meteorology.

The nation's capital received more 70 millimetres of rain since Tuesday, which is more than the long term March average of 60 millimetres.

The bulk of this rainfall came in the 24 hours to Thursday 9am where 37.6 millimetres was recorded.

As of Thursday night the rain had cleared as the weather system moved north-east.

A severe weather warning for the ACT, in place from Tuesday afternoon, was lifted on Thursday afternoon as the territory avoided the worst-case scenario.

Thunderstorms that could have led to flash flooding were forecast as ex-tropical cyclone Esther moved through Canberra and NSW but no storms eventuated near the ACT.

"It was quite widespread rainfall and moderate in strength," Bureau of Meteorology senior forecaster Neale Fraser said.

"Didn't cause too much grief, it was a good soaking but nothing too heavy."

A tree fell in Manuka on Thursday afternoon. Picture: Supplied

Heavy rainfall is not forecast over the coming days, Mr Fraser said. The territory is only forecast to receive up to 6 millimetres on Friday.

Friday is expected to be warm, with a forecast top of 26 degrees - there is a high chance of showers in the afternoon. Over the weekend, there is only a slight chance of showers.

The rain did cause some carnage in Canberra as a tree fell in Manuka and injured two couriers, the ACT Emergency Services Agency said.

ACT Ambulance and Fire and Rescue attended the incident in Palmerston Lane on Thursday afternoon.

The pair were treated on scene for minor injuries but did not need to be taken to hospital.

The area was cordoned off while crews worked to remove the fallen tree and repair a damaged park bench and streetlight.

ACT Fire and Rescue said trees could be weakened by the rain.

"Prolonged wet weather following drought can cause trees to absorb large amounts of water becoming top heavy," an ESA spokesperson said.

Since Tuesday, when the heavy rain hit, the ACT State Emergency Service received 300 requests for help. Calls came from areas across Canberra, the ESA said.

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