Severe Thunderstorm Warning Issued for ACT and Southeast New South Wales

Alert Details

The Australian Government Bureau of Meteorology (BOM) has issued a Severe Thunderstorm Warning (IDN21033) for the Australian Capital Territory and parts of New South Wales. The alert was issued at 12:30 pm Wednesday, 25 February 2026, and is classified as a top priority for immediate broadcast.

Affected Areas

The warning covers the Australian Capital Territory and portions of the following forecast districts in New South Wales:

• South Coast
• Southern Tablelands
• South West Slopes
• Snowy Mountains

Specific locations that may be impacted include Cooma, Braidwood, Mount Ginini, Adaminaby, Araluen, and Captains Flat. Residents in Canberra and Queanbeyan are advised that a more detailed warning may be issued if storms develop in those specific areas.

What You Should Do

The State Emergency Service (SES) advises residents to take the following precautions:

• Park vehicles under secure cover and away from trees, powerlines, and drains.
• Secure or put away loose items around houses, yards, and balconies.
• Maintain a distance of at least 8 meters from fallen power lines or potentially energized objects like fences.
• Keep clear of creeks and storm drains.
• Do not walk, ride, or drive through flood water.
• If trapped by flash flooding, seek refuge in the highest available place and call 000 for rescue.
• Stay indoors and away from windows; keep children and pets inside.

For emergency assistance during floods or storms, contact the SES at 132 500.

Expected Conditions

A humid and unstable atmosphere, combined with a low-pressure trough, is triggering severe thunderstorms across southeast New South Wales. These storms are likely to produce:

• Large hailstones
• Heavy rainfall which may lead to flash flooding
• Damaging winds

Timeline

The warning was issued at 12:30 pm on Wednesday, 25 February 2026. Severe conditions are expected to persist over the next several hours. The Bureau of Meteorology expects to issue the next update by 3:30 pm.