Power cut to thousands of homes as storm hits parts of Canberra
A severe storm has caused damage to homes and cars in Canberra. Photo: AAP
A severe thunderstorm has hit Canberra, causing damage to homes and cars and cutting power to thousands of residents.
The ACT State Emergency Service said it had received more than 190 requests for assistance by 7.30pm on Monday after the storm swept through about 5pm, packing high winds and large hailstones.
The SES said most calls for help were from the hardest-hit Belconnen and Gungahlin regions, with trees down on homes, cars and roads, fallen powerlines and localised flooding.
As of 7:30 PM the ACT State Emergency Service has received more than 190 requests for assistance following a severe thunderstorm impact in the ACT on 3 January 2021. More – https://t.co/KCm0GMKK97 pic.twitter.com/BrJ3eMXCP2
— ACT ESA (@ACT_ESA) January 3, 2022
“Staff and volunteers will be working into the night to provide assistance to the community. Please remember to stay safe and keep clear of storm damage in public areas and on roadways,” the SES said in a statement.
EvoEnergy said more than 16,000 homes were without power in Belconnen and crews were busy restoring it.