Severe Overnight Storms Batter ACT, Prompting Dozens of Emergency Calls
Emergency services across the Australian Capital Territory were inundated with more than 45 calls for assistance overnight as heavy rainfall lashed the region, causing significant tree damage and widespread flooding throughout much of the territory's southern areas. The intense weather event has left a trail of destruction, with volunteers from the State Emergency Services working tirelessly to respond to the escalating situation.
Record Rainfall and Immediate Impact
The ACT experienced a substantial 28.5 millimetres of rain overnight, with a particularly intense downpour of 10 millimetres falling within a mere 20-minute window starting from 12:30 am. This sudden deluge overwhelmed drainage systems and led to rapid water accumulation across numerous suburbs. The Bureau of Meteorology had issued a storm warning before midnight, specifically alerting residents in Queanbeyan, Woden Valley, South Canberra, and Weston Creek to prepare for severe conditions.
As the storm system progressed southward, it heavily impacted Tuggeranong and Hume, exacerbating the flooding issues. By approximately 9 am on Sunday, emergency services were still managing more than 35 outstanding requests for assistance, indicating the scale of the damage. A spokesperson for the ACT Emergency Services Agency noted that additional calls were anticipated as residents awoke and began to assess the full extent of the destruction to their properties.
Worst-Affected Areas and Damage Assessment
Woden Valley and northern Tuggeranong have been identified as the most severely affected regions, with more than 20 emergency calls logged between 7 am and 8 am alone. The primary causes of damage include excess water flooding streets and subsequently entering homes, compounded by water ingress from leaking roofs and overflowing gutters. This combination has created challenging conditions for both residents and emergency responders.
The situation remains dynamic, with further storms forecast for Sunday afternoon, potentially hampering recovery efforts. Notably, this marks the second consecutive year that heavy rainfall has disrupted Canberra's Multicultural Festival, forcing vendors to take protective measures while festival-goers continue to attend despite the adverse weather.
Broader Weather Patterns and Safety Advice
This intense rainfall event follows a period of record heatwaves across Australia, representing a dramatic shift in weather patterns as tropical moisture moves across the continent. Forecasts indicate that almost every area of Australia will experience some form of rainfall this week, reversing the dry conditions observed throughout January.
Emergency services are strongly urging residents to take proactive safety measures. Key recommendations include clearing gutters to prevent water buildup and avoiding driving through floodwaters, which can pose significant risks to both vehicles and occupants. Staying informed through official weather updates and heeding evacuation advice if issued remains crucial during such severe weather events.
As cleanup operations commence, the community is reminded to report any further damage to authorities and to check on vulnerable neighbours, particularly the elderly or those living in low-lying areas prone to flooding.
