THE ACT is facing large hailstones and and heavy rainfall as the Bureau of Meteorology has this afternoon issued a Severe Thunderstorm Warning for the territory. 

The bureau predicts the thunderstorms are likely to impact the eastern side of the ACT and central Canberra.

The ACT State Emergency Service advises residents to:

• Move cars under cover or away from trees.
• Secure or put away loose items around the house, yard or balcony.
• Keep clear of creeks and storm drains.
• Stay indoors away from windows and keep children and pets indooors.
• Keep at least eight metres away from fallen power lines.
• For assistance in a storm or flood call 132500.