Australian Government Bureau of Meteorology New South Wales TOP PRIORITY FOR IMMEDIATE BROADCAST Severe Thunderstorm Warning for Damaging Winds, Heavy Rainfall And Large Hailstones for Australian Capital Territory and parts of South Coast, Southern Tablelands, South West Slopes, Snowy Mountains and Riverina Forecast Districts. Issued at 4:28 pm Wednesday, 31 December 2025. Severe thunderstorms continuing in the southeast this afternoon. Weather Situation Convergence over the ranges is triggering (severe) thunderstorms this afternoon. DAMAGING WINDS, HEAVY RAINFALL and LARGE HAILSTONES for the following areas: South Coast, Southern Tablelands, South West Slopes, Riverina, Snowy Mountains and Australian Capital Territory Severe thunderstorms are likely to produce damaging winds, heavy rainfall that may lead to flash flooding and large hailstones over the next several hours in the Australian Capital Territory and parts of the South Coast, Southern Tablelands, South West Slopes and Snowy Mountains districts. Locations which may be affected include Mount Ginini, Adaminaby and Araluen. Severe thunderstorms are likely to produce damaging winds and heavy rainfall that may lead to flash flooding over the next several hours in the Australian Capital Territory and parts of the South Coast, Southern Tablelands, South West Slopes, Snowy Mountains and Riverina districts. Locations which may be affected include Canberra, Braidwood and Tumbarumba. 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.gov.au). The next warning is due to be issued by 7:30 pm. Check https://www.bom.gov.au/weather-and-climate/warnings-and-alerts. Warnings are also available through TV and Radio broadcasts or call 1300 659 210. The Bureau and State Emergency Service would appreciate warnings being broadcast regularly.