Australia – Record Rain Floods Canberra

by in Australia, New Zealand and Oceania, News · 1 Comment

Heavy rain between 24 and 26 February 2018 caused flash flooding in parts of Canberra and Australian Capital Territory.

Canberra Airport and Charnwood recorded their highest ever rainfall totals for a February day. In a 24 hour period to early 26 February, 64 mm of rain fell at Canberra Airport. Charnwood recorded 70 mm during the same period, according to figures from Australia’s Bureau of Meteorology.

Sullivans Creek weather station recorded 97 mm of rain to 09:00 on 26 February. According to World Meteorological Organization figures, the Canberra area would normally see around 54 mm of rain for the whole of February.

Flooding forced the closure of a number of roads in central areas of the city and also the suburbs of Lyneham, Dickson and Turner. Some homes and buildings were flooded, including parts of the Australian National University which was forced to close on Monday.

By late Sunday, ACT Emergency Services Agency (ESA) had responded to over 200 requests for assistance. In a statement on Sunday evening, ESA said:

“ACT State Emergency Service, ACT Fire and Rescue, ACT Rural Fire Service and NSW State Emergency Service have done excellent work across the city as the clean up from today’s heavy rainfall continues into the evening.

“The services are continuing to respond to over 200 requests for assistance and have worked with Roads ACT, Transport Canberra and City Services to reopen roads as swiftly and safely as possible.

“The Bureau of Meteorology is not predicting any further significant rain events, however people are reminded to take care on the roads and not to drive into storm water.”

Rainfall

24 hours to 09:00 on 25 February

  • Charnwood – 53.2 mm in 24 hours to 09:00 on 25 February

24 hours to 09:00 on 26 February

  • Sullivans Creek – 97 mm
  • Charnwood – 70 mm
  • Cook – 72 mm
  • Canberra Airport – 64 mm
  • Woolshed – 72 mm

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