Source: Bureau of Meteorology

For people in Snowy Mountains, Australian Capital Territory and parts of South Coast, Southern Tablelands, South West Slopes and Illawarra Forecast Districts.

Issued at 1:12 pm Wednesday, 25 February 2026.

Severe thunderstorms developing over the ACT and south east this afternoon.

Weather Situation: A humid and unstable airmass combines with a trough of low-pressure to trigger thunderstorms across southeast New South Wales today.

Severe thunderstorms are likely to produce large hailstones, heavy rainfall that may lead to flash flooding and damaging winds in the warning area over the next several hours. Locations which may be affected include Canberra, Cooma, Braidwood, Nerriga, Mount Ginini and Jindabyne.

A separate Severe Weather Warning for heavy rainfall is current for parts of the Upper Western forecast district. Please check https://www.bom.gov.au/weather-and-climate/warnings-and-alerts for more information.

The State Emergency Service advises that people should:
* Park your car under secure cover and away from trees, powerlines and drains.
* Secure or put away loose items around your house, yard and balcony.
* Keep at least 8 metres away from fallen power lines or objects that may be energised, such as fences.
* Report fallen power lines to either Ausgrid (131 388), Endeavour Energy (131 003), Essential Energy (132 080) or Evoenergy (131 093) as shown on your power bill.
* Keep clear of creeks and storm drains.
* Don't walk, ride your bike or drive through flood water.
* If you are trapped by flash flooding, seek refuge in the highest available place and ring 000 if you need rescue.
* Stay indoors away from windows, and keep children and pets indoors as well.
For emergency help in flood and storms, ring the SES on 132 500.
Stay updated on the Hazards Near Me NSW app or the ACT ESA website (https://esa.act.gov.au).