4pm: Strong winds and heavy rainfalls are expected to continue on Thursday night, into Friday.
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The Bureau of Metorology and the State Emergency Service issued a joint statement that highlighted several conditions that could pose a risk to the public:
- Strong and gusty north-easterly winds are expected across the north and east today and the southeast of the state overnight. Waves up to 5 metres are expected on the east coast
- A gust of 113 km/h at Tasman Island is the highest recorded today with several stations on the north and east coast recording gusts in the 80-90 km/h range.
- Heavy rainfall is expected with the potential for local flash flooding in parts of the north and east of the state today moving into the south and southeast of the state during Friday.
- Rain totals of 60 to 80 mm in the northeast possibly 120 mm in elevated areas are expected. In the south and southeast rain totals tomorrow are expected to be 20 to 50 mm with up to 90 mm in elevated areas.
- At 2pm on Thursday, five-hour rain totals were Fisher River (near Mole Creek) 60 mm. Mt Victoria 42 mm, Meander 31 mm.
- There are expected to be strong river rises in northern rivers with minor to moderate flooding predicted in the Meander, Macquarie, North and South Esk rivers. On Friday the rain will move to the south and the Bureau is closely monitoring conditions on the Derwent, Jordan and Huon rivers.
The following weather warnings are current for Tasmania:
- Severe Weather Warning for damaging wind gusts and heavy rainfall in Northern and Eastern Tasmania.
- Coastal Wind Warnings for most coastal waters (gale or strong wind warnings)
- Road Weather Alert for Northern and Eastern Tasmania for hazardous driving conditions.
- Flood Watch for all Northern and Eastern river basins.
- Flood Warnings for the Meander, Macquarie, North Esk, South Esk and Jordan rivers
- Sheep Graziers Warning for the North West Coast, Central North, North East, Midlands, East Coast, Upper Derwent Valley and South East forecast districts
SES Acting Director Brian Edmonds advises the public in affected areas to:
- Drive to the conditions - Do not drive, walk, swim or cycle through flood waters
- People in communities within these catchments should be mindful of the impacts of possible flooding and take precautions
- Beware of damaged trees and power lines, trees & limbs may fall in these conditions
- Farmers and graziers on low lying areas are advised to move stock and agricultural equipment to higher ground
- Secure outdoor items including furniture and play equipment (i.e. trampolines can become a hazard in higher winds)
- Check that family and neighbours are aware of warnings
- Manage pets and livestock
- Be prepared in case of power outages
- Ensure drains and gutters are clear of debris and are running freely
- People in coastal areas should be aware that waves up to five metres are possible and to exercise caution
- Disaster preparedness is a shared responsibility
- Stay abreast of road closures by monitoring the Tasmania Police website http://www.police.tas.gov.au/community-alerts or by calling 131 444
- See warnings at www.bom.gov.au/tas/warnings/
For further detail monitor the Bureau of Meteorology website at www.bom.gov.au
3.30pm: Tasmania Police reports a fallen tree in the St Marys area has been removed.
The tree was blocking Esk Main Road.
Elsewhere, moderate flood warnings remain for the Macquarie, North Esk and South Esk rivers.
Minor flood warnings have been issued for the Meander and Jordan rivers.
1.30pm: A tree has fallen in the St Marys area, causing delays to traffic.
Tasmania Police said the tree came down onto the Esk Main Road about 1.15pm.
The scene is expected to be cleared within half an hour.
Motorists are asked to please driver to the conditions and look out for hazards and debris on the road.
Elsewhere, the Bureau of Meteorology has issued a flash flooding warning for the state’s North.
“Twenty-four hour totals of in excess of 60 to 80mm are likely about the north and east, with 100 mm possible about elevated areas,” a statement read.
“Currently, the heaviest rain is located on radar near inland of Burnie and is slowly moving eastwards. Winds are expected to ease from the northwest from later Thursday morning as the trough passes to the southeast.
“Locations which may be affected include Devonport, Burnie, St Helens, Swansea, Bicheno and Orford. Severe weather is no longer occurring in the King Island district, and the warning for this area is cancelled.
“In the last few hours, wind gusts of 113 km/h have been recorded at Tasman Island, 98 km/h Mt Read, 89 Maria Island, 85 at Cape Grim and 83 km/h at Eddystone Point.”
Observed rainfall since 9am has been 48 mm Fisher River, 36 mm Mt Victoria, 24 mm Upper Esk and 23 mm at Fingal.
11am: The Bureau of Meteorology’s wild weather warning areas encompass Smithton to Hobart.
A map on BOM’s website shows the state’s North-West, Northern coast, North-East and East Coast are the most risk prone areas.
10am: NORTHERN Tasmania is bracing for the same storm that left the whole of South Australia without power on Wednesday.
Forecasters are predicting wind gusts of more than 80 kilometres per hour, and more than 90 millimetres of rain in some parts – particularly elevated areas.
Wednesday’s SA storm was described as a “one in 50-year event”.
It comes just months after Tasmania was belted by one in 60-year floods.
The Bureau of Meteorology has issued a severe weather warning.
“A deep and complex low pressure system to the southwest of South Australia will extend a trough over Tasmania today, with damaging northeasterly wind gusts expected immediately prior to the trough,” a statement read.
“The trough is expected to cross King Island this morning, the north coast around midday then reach roughly Orford to Melaleuca around midnight.”
The State Emergency Service advises that people should:
- Supervise children closely.
- Check that family and neighbours are aware of warnings.
- Manage pets and livestock.
- Secure outdoor items including furniture and play equipment.
- Be prepared in case of power outages.
- Beware of damaged trees and power lines and take care when driving.
- Listen to the ABC radio or check www.ses.tas.gov.au for further advice.
- For emergency assistance contact the SES on 132500.
River levels are also expected to rise.
The South Esk river, Break O’Day River, St Pauls River, Nile River are all subject to moderate flood warnings.
A flood watch is current for all river basins.
Motorists are urged to drive to the conditions.
The State Emergency Service has volunteer units on standby.
For flood and storm emergency assistance, contact the SES on 132 500.
