<?xml version="1.0" encoding="ISO-8859-1"?> <docID>327594</docID> <postdate>2024-08-25 14:52:55</postdate> <headline>Canberra and three states batten down for big storms</headline> <body><p><img class="size-full wp-image-272243" src="https://citynews.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/3.Storm-Tiles3-e1668141651139.jpg" alt="" width="980" height="650" /></p> <caption>Wild storms are expected across South Australia, Victoria and NSW.</caption> <p><span class="kicker-line">By <strong>Callum Godde</strong></span></p> <p><strong>Millions of Australians are bracing for power outages and dangerous driving conditions as wild thunderstorms sweep across three states.</strong></p> <p>Thunderstorms were developing over Adelaide and southeast SA on Sunday and expected to track across large swathes of NSW and Victoria during the afternoon and evening.</p> <p>The Bureau of Meteorology called for residents in the three states and the ACT to keep on the lookout for the latest warnings.</p> <p>"This will cover several of our major population centres, including Melbourne and Adelaide and to a slightly less degree Canberra as well," senior meteorologist Miriam Bradbury said.</p> <p>"All of these areas may see storms on Sunday, with Melbourne and Adelaide possibly seeing severe thunderstorms."</p> <p>Ms Bradbury said the winds might be strong enough to bring down trees or branches across roads, potentially leading to dangerous driving conditions and property damage.</p> <p>"Those severe thunderstorm warnings may also flag the risk of large hail and heavy rain," she said.</p> <p>"These are less likely than the strong winds but are still possible with thunderstorms, particularly through central Victoria and parts of the Melbourne area."</p> <p>The southern Riverina is most at risk of the forecast thunderstorm activity in western and inland NSW.</p> <p>"For Canberra, there is a chance of some gusty thunderstorms later this evening but we're less likely to see the severe storms there," Ms Bradbury said.</p> <p>Conditions were expected to peak on Sunday afternoon and evening before easing on Monday.</p> </body>