Weather warning

Hold onto Your Hats: Wild Winds Whip through Canberra!

Canberra's experiencing a wild weather shake-up with winds wreaking havoc. Buckle up, it's a stormy ride!

Canberra residents, get ready to hunker down as the Bureau of Meteorology (BoM) has affirmed a severe weather warning for damaging winds across the ACT this Monday. After a cheeky taste of sunny skies, Mother Nature decided to play a prank, unleashing fierce gusts that have rattled windows and sent hats flying. The winds are expected to ramp up throughout the day and could leave some residents feeling like they’re in a scene from an action movie – without the fancy CGI!

As the westerlies continue to whip through the south-eastern part of Australia, the State Emergency Service (SES) has seen its hands full. Reports are flooding in of downed lines, scattered branches, and a few too many umbrellas turned inside-out. So if you see a wayward lawn chair careening down your street, don’t panic! It’s just Wednesday in the world of Canberra. With wild weather keeping everyone on their toes, it’s the perfect moment for some indoor fun or catching up on that Netflix series you've been meaning to binge.

However, it’s not just the locals who are feeling the brunt of this storm. The winds are being felt as far afield as the Snowy Mountains, where conditions can frequently change from idyllic to intimidating in mere moments. Locals are advised to check on vulnerable community members, and it's all hands on deck for the SES as they respond to incidents across the ACT. If you’re thinking of going for that afternoon walk, it might be a good day to just grab a cuppa and enjoy the storm from the safety of your couch.

Weather experts recommend staying updated as more warnings could roll in throughout the day. Wind gusts can reach up to 90 km/h, so securing outdoor objects and steering clear of large trees is advisable. Remember, in this windstorm ballet, it's not the time for selfies with falling branches!

Did you know that Australia is no stranger to extreme weather? In fact, the continent frequently ranks as one of the most unpredictable when it comes to Mother Nature’s antics. Also, wind can be harnessed for good: wind energy accounted for about 30% of all renewable energy generation in Australia as of 2022! So while today may feel like a wild rollercoaster ride, let’s keep our spirits high and maybe even think about how the wind can be turned into a force of good!