UPDATE: The Bureau of Meteorology this evening cancelled its severe thunderstorm warning saying: “Severe thunderstorms are no longer affecting Canberra and Queanbeyan. The immediate threat of severe thunderstorms has passed, but the situation will continue to be monitored and further warnings will be issued if necessary.”

A SEVERE thunderstorm warning has been issued for the ACT region over the next several hours.

The Bureau of Meteorology is predicting damaging winds, large hailstones and heavy rainfall.

Additionally, there is a risk of ongoing storms through this evening into the early hours of Friday morning.

At 4:05 pm, severe thunderstorms were detected on the weather radar near the Brindabella National Park, The Brindabella Ranges and Wee Jasper. These thunderstorms are moving towards the south-east. They are forecast to affect Belconnen, Hall, Weston Creek and Woden Valley by 4:35 pm and Civic, Queanbeyan, Tuggeranong, Gungahlin, Canberra Airport and South Canberra by 5.05 pm.

Damaging winds, large hailstones and heavy rainfall that may lead to flash flooding are likely, BOM says.

The ACT State Emergency Service advises to:

• Move your car under cover or away from trees.

• Secure or put away loose items around your house, yard and balcony.

• Keep clear of creeks and storm drains.

• Stay indoors away from windows and keep children and pets indoors as well.

• Keep at least 8 metres away from fallen power lines or objects that may be energised, such as fences.

• Motorist are advised to take caution while driving.

• Remember to never drive, walk, or ride through floodwater.

For assistance in a storm or flood call 132500, in a life-threatening emergency call Triple Zero (000).