The Launceston City Council believes it is now unlikely that properties in Birch Avenue and Hart Street, Newstead, will be affected by rising floodwaters from the North Esk River tonight.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Flows in the river are predicted to peak at 6pm.
But the council has urged residents in those streets are urged to remain on alert.
Property owners are advised to move items of value to upper floors and to secure any chemicals or fuel in backyard sheds and garages.
For any assistance with sandbags contact the SES on 132 500.
The council has also closed its Myrtle Park camp ground.
EARLIER
If you thought it rained cats and dogs overnight in Launceston - you were pretty close to the mark.
Since 9am yesterday, more than 52mm of rain has fallen in Launceston, according to the Bureau of Meteorology, with winds gusts of up to 63kmh recorded.
Wynyard recorded 54.2mm in the same period, while Cressy recorded 13.8mm, 32.2mm fell in Scottsdale, 19mm at Fingal, 5mm at St Helens, while Hobart recorded 15mm.
According to the bureau, it is expected to rain across the north until at least Tuesday next week.
The bureau has issued a number of flood warnings across the north of the state following the deluge
- Moderate flood warning for the Lower Meander River
- Moderate flood warning for the North Esk River Basin
- Moderate flood warning for the South Esk River
- Minor flood warning for the Forth River Basin
- Final flood watch for all Northern river basins
Tasmania Police has issued a number of road alerts due to flooding.
The most affected roads, they say, have been sign-posted with warnings and closed where required.
Some of the affected roads include:
- Northbound lanes of the West Tamar Highway
- Youl Road
- Winkleigh Road at Winkleigh
- the Nile Road
There are several confirmed road closures this morning:
- Upper Esk Road at Three Bridges 8km north of Mathinna - closed
- Mathinna Plains Road - between Griffin Road and Claytons Road - closed
- Pitts Lane, Bracknell - closed
- Tasman Highway between Corkerys Road and Camden Road at Targa
- Tasman Highway between The Sidling on Scottsdale end and Nunamara Road at Launceston end
- Targa Hill Road is closed
Police say that conditions have eased since 2am this morning, however further heavy rainfalls are expected this morning.
