Canberrans are being urged to prepare their homes for severe weather as the ACT’s storm season begins today.

The State Emergency Service says the storm season, which runs until April, brings an increased risk of torrential rain, damaging winds, large hail and lightning.

The Bureau of Meteorology is predicting a high likelihood of warmer-than-average conditions across much of south-eastern Australia, including the ACT, which the SES says could support severe thunderstorm development during spring and early summer.

Residents are being encouraged to clear gutters, trim trees, secure loose outdoor items, repair existing property damage and check their home and contents insurance.

Emergency Services Minister Marisa Paterson said storms could also cause power and telecommunications outages and block roads, even where homes were not directly damaged.

“Knowing what to do, where to find trusted information, and being prepared before, during, and after a storm can really make a difference to reducing negative impacts,” Dr Paterson said.

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