Storms and Flooding

Things you can do to prepare yourself and your home for severe storms and resultant localised flooding.

Severe Storms

In the ACT severe storms are generally large thunderstorms that develop under moist, unstable weather conditions. They may be part of a band of storms across South East Australia, they may form in a low-pressure trough over our area, or they form over the highlands behind Canberra in summer and drift across.

Floods and Flooding

Floods in the ACT are caused by rivers overflowing their banks, or by localised rainfall at a rate that exceeds the local drains' capacity. A third possibility has been the collapse of a large dam, such as Googong Dam south of Queanbeyan.

Advice to householders on what to do:

• Before a severe storm and possible flooding
• During a severe storm or flooding
• After a severe storm or flooding

More information about severe storms:

• The storm hazard in the ACT
• Severe Storm Action Guide by EMA Australia
• Database of Australian Disasters - EMA Australia

More information about floods and flooding:  

• Flood Action Guide - EMA Australia