Update - storm damage 6:00pm, 20 January 2020

ACT State Emergency Service, with the assistance of New south Wales State Emergency Service, are working tirelessly to respond to numerous storm damage incidents around Canberra following the severe storm which passed through Canberra on Monday. A record high 2100 calls for assistance were received by the ESA. This is equivalent to the 2200 calls received by the Victorian SES. Calls for assistance have been prioritised based on the information given at the time of call, the risk to the community and the circumstances of the caller. Crews are working hard to attend all calls. We ask that Canberrans remain patient as we clear the record number of calls for assistance. There are currently 1070 incidents outstanding and 1020 incidents have been completed.

The ACT Emergency Services Agency has received 2,044 calls for assistance from the severe storm activity yesterday. Currently, 580 jobs have been complete and there are 1,464 jobs outstanding. Crews made up of ACT State Emergency Service, ACT Rural Fire Service, ACT Fire & Rescue and Transport Canberra and City Services are working together to respond to roof damage, fallen trees, skylight damage and broken solar panels. Volunteers from New South Wales State Emergency Service have arrived today to support our ACT crews. They will be working closely with our volunteers over the coming days to support the Canberra community following yesterdays storm activity. We understand this is an incredibly stressful time, but we ask the community to be reassured that we are working through each and every request. The ACT State Emergency Service prioritise jobs based on the type of damage and the effect on the resident. For example; life or safety hazards including electrical damage or threats to those who are more vulnerable. It may take a number of days to get through each job. We appreciate your patience while you wait for assistance. If you no longer need assistance, please call 132 500 to cancel your request. In a life threatening emergency, call Triple Zero (000).

The ACT Emergency Services Agency has received 1,911 calls for assistance from the severe storm activity yesterday. This has broken the previous call record of 998 calls from a windstorm back on the 13th January 2017. Currently, 445 jobs have been complete and there are 1,466 jobs outstanding. Approximately 35 operational crews made up of ACTSES, ACTRFS, ACTF&R and TCCS were busy working overnight. They will continue operations this morning. It will take a number of days to get through every task. We ask Canberrans to remain patient while they wait for assistance. If you no longer need assistance, please call 132 500 to cancel your request. In a life threatening emergency, call Triple Zero (000).

As at 6:00pm today, the ACT ESA has received more than 1,750 calls for assistance from the severe storm activity. Emergency services personnel will be working through the night to respond to roof and window damage, fallen trees and electrical hazards. We appreciate your patience as we work through the high volume of call outs. Residents who require assistance for storm or flood damage are advised to call 132 500. Please only call Triple Zero (000) for life-threatening emergencies. If you're concerned about electrical safety and your system's connection to the network, please call Evoenergy on 13 10 93.

As at 2:50pm today, the ACT ESA has received more than 1,200 calls for assistance from the severe storm activity. The Specialist Intelligence Gathering (SIG) Firebird 100 Helicopter is currently flying over Canberra conducting a damage assessment from the sky. Residents who require assistance for storm or flood damage are advised to call 132 500. Please only call Triple Zero (000) for life-threatening emergencies.

As at 1:50pm today, the ACT ESA has received more than 620 calls for assistance from the severe storm activity. Due to the high volume of calls there may be a short delay in callers getting through to 132 500. We ask for your patience at this time and your call will be answered as quickly as possible. The ACT State Emergency Service, ACT Fire & Rescue and ACT Rural Fire Service are working together to respond to hail and roof damage, electrical threats and localised flooding. The areas most impacted include Belconnen, City and the Inner South. Residents who require assistance for storm or flood damage are advised to call 132 500. Please only call Triple Zero (000) for life-threatening emergencies.

Since midday, the ACT ESA has received 226 requests for assistance via 132 500.

The ACT State Emergency Service, ACT Fire & Rescue and ACT Rural Fire Service are working together to respond to hail and roof damage, electrical threats and localised flooding.

ACT Ambulance Service is attending to two people for minor injuries sustained during the storm.

Residents who require assistance for storm or flood damage are advised to call 132 500. In a life-threatening emergency please call Triple Zero (000).