A severe thunderstorm has hit Canberra, causing damage to homes and cars and cutting power to thousands of residents.
The ACT State Emergency Service said it had received more than 190 requests for assistance by 7.30pm on Monday after the storm swept through around 5pm, packing high winds and large hailstones.
The SES said most calls for help were from the hardest hit Belconnen and Gungahlin regions, with trees down on homes, cars and roads, fallen powerlines and localised flooding.
"Staff and volunteers will be working into the night to provide assistance to the community. Please remember to stay safe and keep clear of storm damage in public areas and on roadways," the SES said in a statement.
EvoEnergy said more than 16,000 homes were without power in Belconnen and crews were busy restoring it.
