The Bureau of Meteorology says that early morning thunderstorms have already delivered 20-30 millimetres of rain to parts of Canberra and the ACT may see more storms later today.”Thunderstorms are likely to extend to more eastern parts through today and into tonight. Larger population centres, including Sydney and Canberra, could see thunderstorms later this afternoon,” the bureau predicts.

“Severe thunderstorms are possible in some parts of the  region. However, it is important to understand thunderstorms are often small area events, which means some communities may experience quite intense storm activity while locations nearby are not impacted.

“Hazards may include damaging winds, heavy rain, and large hail. Flash flooding is also possible in some locations.

“Rainfall from thunderstorms can vary significantly over short distances, though moderate to locally heavy totals are expected about southern parts of the western slopes, including the Central West, Southwest Slopes, eastern Riverina and Alpine.

“Recent rainfall has left catchments in these locations wet and many dams near capacity. Rainfall forecasts are being monitored for the potential to cause river rises and flooding.”