Numerous homes damaged, Telstra Tower evacuated after severe storm rips through Canberra

Several homes have been damaged after a severe storm made its way over the ACT yesterday.

The ACT SES responded to more than 110 calls for assistance across Canberra on Monday afternoon.

The Telstra tower was evacuated as strong winds activated the emergency warning system.

A home in Rivett became flooded with water filling bedrooms to a depth of 50cm, The ACT SES used numerous pumps to drain the water from the home.

An Emergency Services Agency (ESA) spokesperson said most calls were for leaking roofs, fallen trees and overflowing storm water drains, adding that said Woden and Belconnen areas were worst hit by the storm.

More than 20mm of rain fell at Canberra Airport in about half an hour, while 25mm was recorded at Tuggeranong as of 7pm.

The ACT ESA said residents should act early in the event of a storm to prevent damage by cleaning gutters, moving cars under cover and away from trees and securing loose items around the home and yard.

The ESA also reminded Canberrans never to drive through floodwater.