Tasmania’s big wet  | Rolling coverage

UPDATE noon: SES Tasmania has reminded the public that floodwaters remain dangerous, even though they may appear calm on the surface or look to be receding.

Debris and damaged roads could lurk under the surface of flood water, so people – motorists especially – are urged not to enter the waters.

SES members are still sandbagging some areas throughout the state, and some premisises remain inundated.

Launceston’s floodwaters are expected to linger for up to a week.

UPDATE: 11.20am: Despite forecast rain for Thursday, the City of Launceston council says it does not expect it to cause a resurgence in floodwaters.

“The rainfall we'll see will likely extend the length of time it takes for river flows take to drop to normal levels, rather than significantly increasing river heights,” the council said in a statement on Facebook.

“Our modelling indicates river levels will continue to drop over the next few days.

“Over the next few days, we'll still see tidal flows having an impact. For example, a low-lying road like Henry Street will be open to traffic again [on Thursday morning] but will be closed at high tide [on Thursday afternoon].

“One thing to bear in mind is that for there to be a significant river flood threat to Launceston, there needs to be extremely heavy rainfall in the North-East and East where the catchments for these river systems begin.”

► Launceston in flood: Wednesday | Photos

UPDATE 10.45am: As floodwaters recede, emergency crews are continuing the grisly task of searching for two missing men.

At Evandale, the family of Peter Watson are helping police in the search for the 63-year-old, who went missing on Tuesday morning when he was swept away by floodwaters.

The van Mr Watson and his partner were delivering newspapers in was recovered by police on Wednesday, about 400 metres from where it left the road.

His partner, Karen Cassidy, was found by crews on Tuesday morning about 15 kilometres from where the incident occurred.

At Ouse in the state’s South, police say they hold “little hope” for 81-year-old Trevor Foster, who has been missing in floodwaters since 8am on Monday.

Police on Wednesday for a hat, which will be DNA tested to confirm it belonged to Mr Foster.

Search operation officer in charge Inspector Matthew McCreadie said:  “Sadly, despite our considerable efforts we must be realistic that there is little hope of finding Mr Foster alive. Our thoughts are with his family, friends and the local Ouse community at this difficult time.”

UPDATE 8.15am: The Charles Street bridge has been reopened to traffic.

RECAP 7.20am Thursday: Launceston is expected to receive between 10 and 20 millimetres of rain today, with the chance of a thunderstorm this morning.

The Meander River remains on a major flood warning, and a moderate warning is present for the South Esk and Macquarie rivers.

The Meander’s levels continue to ease, and the river in the Deloraine area is now below the minor flood level.

Evacuation centres around Launceston have been closed, but a recovery centre remains will open at the Newnham University of Tasmania campus at 9am on Thursday.

On Wednesday night, the City of Launceston crews removed the floodgates from the Charles Street bridge.

However, the bridge will remain closed until Thursday morning, when the Department of State Growth can undertake a structural assessment.

Detours and delays remain around Launceston’s central business district – north-bound traffic hoping to use the Charles Street bridge is being diverted to the Tamar Street bridge via Cimitiere Street.

For a list of Northern Tasmanian road closures, click here.

On Wednesday night, Invermay and Inveresk residents were advised it was safe for them to return to their homes.

UPDATE 8.00pm:

Two evacuation centre and a recovery centre have been set up at:

FLOOD STATISTICS: SES

Dwellings inundated:

The State Emergency Service advised that it is now safe for residents of Invermay to return to their homes.

The SES said water levels in the North Esk River are steady and the threat of inundation to Invermay has passed.

Charles Street Bridge remains closed until after it can be assessed by State Growth engineers from 7am Thursday morning and this will cause traffic delays.

Flood waters will remain dangerous even if they appear to be calm on the surface. There is a significant amount of debris in the rivers and the SES said it is imperative that people do not enter flood waters under any circumstances.

The Launceston City Council said it will remove the floodgates from the bridge later tonight.

They said the engineering inspection is expected to take place early tomorrow, and it is hoped the bridge will re-open to traffic mid-morning.

Launceston Mayor Albert van Zetten thanked all emergency services and council staff involved in the flood response in Launceston.

"I'm extremely pleased that the reconstructed levee system has weathered this first real test," Mayor van Zetten said.

"There are still road closures, and damage to roads and bridges across the Launceston municipality, so people should drive with caution and expect delays.”

Mayor van Zetten thanked those involved in the task of flood defence and emergency service work.

"In the days and weeks ahead there is much work we will need to do across the municipality to repair and replace damaged infrastructure, so I urge people to please be patient during this time."

The SES said there is significant damage to roads and urged people not to attempt to travel through still or moving floodwaters. They anticipated that floodwaters will take up to a week to recede.

The SES urged people to avoid all non-essential travel and remind the community that safety is a shared responsibility and unnecessary visits to affected areas is unwelcome.

UPDATE 6.00pm:

MISSING PEOPLE: OUSE AND EVANDALE:

Tasmania Police continue to hold grave concerns for Mr Trevor Foster who was swept away in flood waters from his property in Ouse around 8am Monday 6 June.

Police said the search and rescue operation re-commenced about 10am today at Ouse and continued through the day.

Police are using search and rescue specialists, marine police and the and the Westpac Rescue Helicopter for the search.

Weather in the area has improved significantly and the flood water levels continue to recede.

Police have located a hat, which they believe is Mr Foster’s, which he was wearing at the time he was swept away.

DNA testing will be used to confirm that it is Mr Foster’s.

Inspector Matthew McCreadie, Officer in Charge of the search operation said it is now in excess of 60 hours since Mr Foster was last seen. 

”Sadly, despite our considerable efforts we must be realistic that there is little hope of finding Mr Taylor alive.

Our thoughts are with his family, friends and the local Ouse community at this difficult time,” Inspector McCreadie said.

Police will now focus on recovery efforts to locate Mr Foster’s body, which they hope will be aided by the receding water levels.

Tomorrow, police will utilise police divers and ground search teams in the recovery efforts.

The 63 year old man and his female companion were swept away in floodwaters in the early hours of Tuesday morning.

The woman was later found and airlifted to safety.

The van which was being driven by the pair has been located by the Westpac Rescue Helicopter near Leighlands Road, but there is no sign of the missing man.

The search will resume tomorrow.

SES:

The SES said Tasmania is experiencing a significant flooding event.

They warned that even when it has stopped raining, flood waters will still be an issue. Do not enter floodwaters under any circumstances.

The SES are continuing to monitor high tide and will provide advice early this evening to residents in Invermay about when they can return to their homes.

Charles Street Bridge remains closed and this will cause traffic delays.

The high tide is currently causing inundation to Seaport and people should stay away from this area if it is not essential for them to be there.

Flood waters will remain dangerous even if they appear to be calm on the surface. There is a significant amount of debris in the rivers and it is imperative that people do not enter flood waters under any circumstances.

There is significant damage to roads and the SES urges people not to attempt to travel through still or rising floodwaters.

They urge people to avoid all non-essential travel and remind the community that safety is a shared responsibility and unnecessary visits to affected areas is unwelcome.

Residents are asked to remain vigilant and monitor the ABC as the emergency broadcaster.

UPDATE 3.20pm: Flood levels along the South Esk River are falling steadily, after peaking at Trevallyn Pond about 8am on Wednesday.

It is expected to drop away from major flood level overnight into Thursday morning.

A major flood warning remains for the Meander River, but its levels are also beginning to ease.

UPDATE 2.20pm: Tasmania Police has received reports of people posing as emergency workers, and telling businesses in Launceston’s central business district to evacuate.

Police have assured the community that the CBD is free to operate as normal. 

Anyone who has received a visit from the two people is asked to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

UPDATE 2pm: Wednesday afternoon’s high tide is likely to flood the Park Street and Seaport car parks in Launceston.

The tide is expected at 3.30pm.

City of Launceston council has recommended that people parked in these spots relocate their cars immediately.

RECAP 1.30pm: Floodwater to linger for days

Floodwater across Tasmania will likely not begin to recede until after the weekend, the State Emergency Service says.

The South Esk River peaked at the Invermay area about 10am on Wednesday morning, however the threat to residents is far from over, with high tide expected at 3.37pm and the dangers beneath the surface not expected to be cleared for days.

While the worst is over, the SES has requested residents do not enter the floodwaters themselves or in their vehicles.

Launceston City Council estimates the damage bill in the region will be in the millions of dollars, however a dollar figure has not yet been decided.

The Federal Government has pledged “full support” to the clean up, Premier Will Hodgman said on Wednesday morning.

UPDATE 1pm: The Meander and South Esk rivers continue to carry major flood warnings.

The Meander River is now at major flood level below Strathbridge, and surpassed the previous record high of 10 metres by reaching 10.45 metres at 11pm on Tuesday.

The South Esk River has peaked, but continues to cause the Trevallyn Dam to spill into the Cataract Gorge.

At the Trevallyn Pond, it peaked at 131.10 metres at 8am on Wednesday, and is expected to drop below major flood level (130.80 metres) late on Wednesday through to early Thursday.

The damage bill for Launceston’s floods is likely to total millions of dollars, the City of Launceston council says.

As flood waters abate, the clean-up and damage assessment begins.

Infrastructure hit includes roads, footpaths, bridges, and parks, as well as the suspension bridge at the Gorge, and the Seaport boardwalk.

City of Launceston general manager Robert Dobrzynski said damage to public infrastructure was likely to be extensive.

"It will probably be next week before we can begin a detailed assessment of the damage to council-managed public infrastructure across Launceston," Mr Dobrzynski said.

"Roads that have been inundated like Johnstons Road, Henry Street and Hoblers Bridge Road will all need to be assessed by our engineers.

"Many roads have suffered erosion as a result of fast-moving water, and other infrastructure like pump stations will need to be repaired.

"Just in an area like the Cataract Gorge we have public infrastructure like the swimming pool and its associated pumps and mechanical equipment, the playground, public toilets, barbecues and walkways.”

UPDATE noon: Emergency services have located the truck that delivery driver Peter Watson was in when he was swept off Leighlands Road at Evandale on Tuesday morning.

Sergeant Tony Roughan said the Scottdale man's truck was located on Wednesday morning about 400 metres from where it was taken.

"As a result of the search and rescue efforts, we've sighted the van," he said.

"A winchman has gone down in very dangerous conditions and as far as we can tell, there is nobody inside the vehicle." 

Sergeant Roughan responded to the distress call on Leighlands Road on Tuesday morning and witnessed the truck being taken from the road.

"The water was moving very rapidly - the velocity of the water was really surprising."

The evidence of the flood's force was evident yesterday more of Leighlands Road was revealed.

Slabs of asphalt had been completely torn from the road as had several wooden posts that had been previously cemented deep into the ground.

UPDATE 11.15am – Tasmania Police issue traffic advice for Launceston

Launceston motorists are being advised to plan ahead and be prepared to take detours as flooding continues to affect road closures.

In preparation for the high tide on Wednesday afternoon, the Charles Street bridge will remain closed to traffic, with a detour in place via the Tamar Street bridge.

People travelling from the northern suburbs to southern suburbs, and vice-versa, are advised to detour via Vermont Road, Ravenswood Road, Hoblers Bridge Road and St Leonards Road.

Henry Street remains closed.

Tasmania Police has advised of traffic delays throughout Launceston’s central business district throughout Wednesday.

UPDATE 11am: The West Tamar Highway has been reopened to all traffic. but with a 40km/h speed limit.

The Charles Street bridge in Launceston will stay closed to traffic until Wednesday afternoon at the earliest.

SES Tasmania has urged people to not enter floodwaters, even if they appear calm on the surface.

Floodwaters continue to rise in some parts of the state, and motorists are urged to not drive through them.

UPDATE 10.30am: The Bureau of Meteorology has reported that Trevallyn’s flood levels have peaked.

UPDATE 9.45am: Newstead is now expected to be clear of floods, Tasmania Police has advised.

However, residents are asked to stay vigilant.

UPDATE 8.45am: City of Launceston council has advised that Wednesday still holds the potential for flooding to the Invermay and Inveresk areas.

Residents of the suburbs are still advised to evacuate their homes as a precaution.

The South Esk River is still expected to peak about 10am, and high tide is forecast for 4pm, so water levels will remain high around Launceston until Wednesday night.

The Charles Street bridge was closed to traffic on Tuesday night as the flood gates were closed, and the bridge is expected to remain closed until the flood threat has eased.

The West Tamar Highway has been opened to one lane in each direction, but traffic delays are still lengthy.

All the walkways at the Cataract Gorge are closed, but the viewing platform at the First Basin car park is open for those wishing to see the Gorge in flood.

UPDATE 8.30am: Emergency crews are continuing to search for two men missing in Tasmanian floodwaters.

At Evandale, a search party will comb the land on Wednesday for missing 63-year-old man Peter Watson.

They will be searching from Leylands Road at Evandale towards Perth, and boats will be used if it is deemed safe enough.

In the state’s South, crews will focus on searching the Ouse River for an 81-year-old man swept away at his Ouse property on Monday.

SES Tasmania has advised that Longford can now return to “business as usual” after the town’s levy held off floodwaters overnight.

In Launceston, Invermay residents are advised to remain vigilant, and Newstead homes hit by flooding earlier this week are expected to be inundated once more.

The Tamar Street bridge is open to traffic, however the West Tamar Highway near Tamar Marine remains closed to south-bound traffic.

SES Tasmania urged people to avoid nonessential travel.

Those affected by flooding and in need of assistance can call the Tasmanian Emergency Information Service on 1800 567 567.

RECAP 7am Wednesday: Invermay braces for morning peak

The South Esk River floods are expected to peak at 10am on Wednesday.

Overnight, the South Esk, Macquarie and Meander rivers have experienced major flooding.

No further flooding is expected for Invermay and Longford, where residents were advised to evacuate on Tuesday.

However, SES Tasmania has urged Invermay residents to stay extremely vigilant.

At Longford, the flood peak passed on Tuesday night, and its levy successfully held the floodwaters back.

Launceston floods from the air | Photos

Newstead is set to be hit again, with 50 already evacuated and inundated homes expected to experience floods again.

More than 100 roads are closed across the state – including the West Tamar HIgh near Tamar Marine, which is closed to all south-bound traffic.

Motorists at Riverside and the West Tamar looking to reach Launceston are advised to consider taking the East Tamar Highway via the Batman Bridge, as detours through Trevallyn carry lengthy delays.

Evacuation centres open are:

UPDATE 6.20pm: The SES has issued text messages to people around Invermay to recommend they evacuate now. 

More information is at www.ses.tas.gov.au or on ABC local radio. 

 TasNetworks has said its crews are working to restore power to about 500 customers tonight in Mole Creek, Birralee, Deloraine, Hagley, Quamby Bend, Rosevale, Selbourne, Westbury, Westwood and Whitemore, St Leonards, Launceston and Newstead. 

There are a further 970 customers without power in Hadspen due to a fallen pole, crews hope to restore power for tonight.

Up to 20 customers in Deloraine and Targa will remain without power overnight. 

In the North West about 200 customers will be without power overnight, with seven customers without power overnight in the South. 

Telstra has announced an assistance package for residential and small business customers in Latrobe, Forth, South Launceston, St John, Ouse and Woodbury who have lost services due to flooding. Affected customers should contact Telstra on 132 203 to register. 

UPDATE 5.25pm: The SES expects the South Esk River to peak anytime between 2am and 10am, however damaging flows may be experienced any time from now. 

People in Invermay are advised to evacuate now to an evacuation centre as a precaution. 

People in Longford who wish to evacuate should do so now. 

Eight flood gates are closed on the eastern side of the Invermay/Inveresk levee system, and three at Longford. 

The Charles Street Bridge will be closed to traffic from 8pm for the installation of floodgates. 

The SES has said more than 100 roads are closed throughout the state. 

People are urged to avoid non-essential travel and monitor the ABC as the emergency broadcaster. 

UPDATE 4pm: The City of Launceston will close the Charles Street bridge to traffic from 8pm tonight to allow the floodgates to be put in place.

The Tamar Street bridge will remain open.

RECAP 4pm: Evacuations advised as Launceston bunkers down for rising waters

Invermay and Longford residents have been advised to take precautionary measures and evacuate their homes as the South Esk River begins to swell.

The river is expected to peak about 10am on Wednesday, but could still reach damaging levels overnight.

In Launceston, floodwaters have swallowed Royal Park, the West Tamar Highway near Tamar Marine is closed to traffic, and water is beginning to lap onto the Seaport boardwalk.

Many roads remain closed throughout the state, either due to floodwaters or damage.

At Evandale, the search continues for a man who was swept away by floodwaters early on Tuesday morning.

Update 1pm: The City of Launceston council has further encouraged Invermay residents to consider evacuating their homes.

The South Esk River is expected to reach its peak at 10am on Wednesday, but rising waters could still pose a threat to properties overnight.

Update 12.30pm: Invermay, Longford residents evacuated as a precaution

Invermay residents have been advised to evacuate the area as a precaution.

Evacuation centres have been opened at the Silverdome at Prospect, and at the University of Tasmania Newnham campus.

Emergency services are in the area.

Those unable to self-evacuate can call 132 500.

An evacuation centre has been opened at the Longford Town Hall for residents in the area who wish to evacuate as a precaution.

Those able have been asked to check on their neighbours, particularly neighbours who are elderly and vulnerable.

The South Esk River continues to rise, and is expected to peak at 7.6 to 7.9 metres at Longford mid-afternoon on Tuesday.

The Tannery Road floodgates at Longford will be erected at noon.

Alternative routes out of the township are detailed below.

Update 11am: The body of a Latrobe woman has been recovered by search and rescue personnel.

Mary Kathleen Allford, 75, was found in her Shale Road home.

She had been missing since the early hours of Monday, and her husband was rescued from the property by chopper on Monday.

Police continue their search for a man missing at Evandale, and a man in his 80s at Ouse.

Update 10.45am: Evacuation warning for Northern residents

Invermay and Longford residents have been urged to review their flood evacuation plans at the South Esk River threatens to peak on Tuesday night.

SES Tasmania issued the alert on Tuesday morning, and said a decision will be made throughout the day on if evacuation is required in the aforementioned areas.

The City of Launceston council said, at present, there was no threat to Invermay-Inveresk residents.

In the event of evacuation, the suburb will be door knocked and the flood siren will sound.

It is likely that the floodgate for the Charles Street bridge will be closed from 10pm to midnight, but the Tamar Street floodgate will probably stay open.

Residents should stay on alert, and monitor ABC local radio for regular updates.

The Southern town of Longley has recorded the highest rainfall in the 24 hours to 9am, Tuesday, with 104 millimetres.

Monday-Tuesday’s heavy rainfall was concentrated in the south, with Buckland (99mm), Nugent (94mm) and Copping (89mm) also recording high totals.

The Bureau of Meteorology has released the stats, warning that while the heavy rain has passed for now, river levels continue to rise.

The South Esk is predicted to reach major flood level in the Longford area on Tuesday morning, and hit the Hadspen-Trevallyn Dam area in the afternoon, with a peak overnight into Wednesday morning.

Three rivers set new record highs: 

Update 10.30am: TasNetworks has reported about 1800 customers throughout the state are without power.

The majority of customers (1500) are in the south, mostly at New Norfolk, Plenty, Moogara, Glenfern, Hayes, Mount Lloyd, and 1300 on the Tasman Peninsula.

In the North West, there are about 80 customers without power at Latrobe, Sprent, Nietta, and Railton,

In the North, about 180 customers are affected at Norwood, St Leonards, Mersey Hill Road, Telita, Derby and Newstead.

The restoration times for all of the above are to be confirmed.

Update 9.30am: Tasmania has experienced some of the worst flooding in 40 years, SES Tasmania has confirmed.

More than 100 roads are closed across the state, and the South Esk, Macquarie, and Meander rivers continue to provide major flooding.

There are eight flood gates closed at Invermay-Inveresk, and three at Longford.

The SES has urged Tasmanians to avoid unnecessary travel.

Fifty properties at Newstead have been flooded, 20 houses and 15 businesses at Latrobe, seven houses at Wynyard, five at Ouse and a number of rural properties.

The North Esk catchment has recorded its highest ever flood level, reaching 6.44 meres about 1pm on Monday at Corra Linn.

The Bureau of Meteorology has advised that the catchment’s river levels have now peaked, but it still remains on moderate flood level alert.

The river levels will continue to drop throughout Tuesday.

The Tasmanian government has announced an emergency funding package for Tasmanians affected by the floods.

Via Service Tasmania, emergency aid of $750 a family ($200 per adults and $100 per child) will be available to help provide for clothing, food, transport, shelter, and personal items.

Update 8am: Emergency services are continuing the search for three missing Tasmanians, who were caught up in floodwaters.

At Evandale, police are searching by air and land for a man who was swept away in a vehicle early on Tuesday morning.

The Westpac Rescue Helicopter rescued about 107 people from floods on Monday.

Recap 7.30am Tuesday: Police continue to search for three people missing in floodwaters across Tasmania.

A man and woman were swept away in their car by floodwaters at Evandale early on Tuesday.

The woman was found alive several hours later by rescue teams.

Emergency services continue to search for a woman in her 70s at Latrobe, who was caught up in waters early on Monday, and a man in his 80s who was seen in floodwaters at his Ouse property.

Police have further rescued six men from a boat, after they took shelter near Schouten Island on the East Coast overnight.

They were taken to Coles Bay in a police boat, with no injuries reported.

The Bureau of Meteorology has cancelled its severe weather warnings for the state, but flood warnings remain in place, including major flood warnings for the South Esk, Macquarie, and Meander rivers.

The South Esk River will cause flooding to Longford on Tuesday morning, and Hadspen and Trevallyn Dam later on Tuesday.

It is expected to peak at 7 metres on Tuesday morning at Longford, reaching as high as 7.9 metres in the afternoon.

The river continues to flood Llewellyn and Perth.

The bureau has warned that its river peaks will be similar to those recorded during the March 2011 floods.

Parts of Latrobe, Newstead, Ouse, and the Meander Valley have been evacuated.

However, the Launceston evacuation centre at the Albert Hall was closed about 10.30pm on Monday as it was no longer necessary.

About 550 SES Tasmania volunteers have been working across the state, and as of 10pm Monday, 100 people have been rescued, 100 properties flooded, five Ouse houses are underwater, 35 at Latrobe, and seven at Wynyard, and SES had received more than 300 requests for assistance.

Road closures continue across the state, and Tasmania Police have warned that some signs have been washed away by rising waters.

Motorists are urged to check community alerts before driving, and to not enter floodwaters.

Update 9.00pm Monday: 

The Bureau of Meteorology has issued a major flood warning for the Macquarie River region.

Major flooding is occurring along the Macquarie River now between Lake River and Longford.

Some properties in these areas are likely to become isolated and/or inundated by flood waters.

Communities likely to be affected include low lying areas in the Cressy and Longford districts.

Significant inundation has resulted in parts of the communities of Latrobe, Newstead, Ouse and the Meander Valley being evacuated.

The River Derwent is expected to peak at 3m tonight – anyone living in or around the riverbanks near New Norfolk is advised to be vigilant.

Eight flood gates are closed on the eastern side of the Invermay levee system. Residents are asked to remain vigilant and monitor the ABC as the emergency broadcaster.

Rain is moving east with the potential for flash flooding to occur on the East Coast. Surf of up to 8m is expected on central East Coast.

A number of roads remain closed, however the Midland Highway at Tunbridge is open.

More than 100 people have been rescued from flood affected areas today, and more than 100 properties have been inundated by the floods.

A number of people have been evacuated from their properties in the communities of Latrobe, Ouse, Newstead and the Meander Valley.

The SES has assisted several people from their vehicles when they have entered flood waters.

They have been sandbagging various locations including businesses in Latrobe and around the

Ouse Bridge, assisting police in evacuating affected schools and responding to requests for assistance.

Fifteen businesses and 20 residences at Latrobe have been inundated, and 7 residences at Wynyard were flooded.

Update 5.30

Major flooding has occurred on the Mersey, Forth, North Esk Rivers. 

Floods are developing in the South Esk, Meander, Ouse and Derwent Rivers. 

The State Emergency Services has had 270 requests for assistance with 60 still open.

More than 100 properties have been inundated by the floods. 

A number of people have been evacuated from their properties in the communities of Latrobe, Ouse, Newstead and the Meander Valley.

Several people have been rescued from their vehicles when they have entered flood waters.

The SES has sandbagged businesses in Latrobe.

They say it’s too early to give an estimate of the damage.

More rain is forecast for Wednesday and Thursday and the SES urges the general public to be prepared.

Update 5.10pm: Possible school closures for Tuesday.

A number of government schools, LINCs and libraries may be closed on Tuesday due to severe flooding and road access issues.

Further information will be provided as soon as possible.

Hagley Farm Primary School has announced it will be closed on Tuesday due to weather damage on several school buildings.

For the most up to date list of school closures, click HERE.  

Update 4.40pm: Bureau of Meteorology releases latest river heights for Mersey River.  

The Mersey River at Liena peaked at 4.94 metres at 7am on Monday and is expected to fall below the minor flood level during Tuesday morning, according to the Bureau of Meteorology. 

The Mersey River at Kimberley is expected to start easing overnight

The Mersey River at Latrobe Bridge is expected to peak between 4.5 and 4.8 metres late on Monday evening.

Latest river heights: 

Mersey River at Liena – 3.87 metres at 1.30pm on Monday

Mersey River at Kimberley – 0.43 metres at 9.43am on Monday 

Mersey River at Shale Road – 16.7 metres at 2.30pm on Monday

Mersey River at Latrobe Bridge – 4.3 metres at 1.45pm on Monday

RECAP 4pm: Suburbs and communities have been evacuated as emergency services do their best to combat heavy rainfall in the northern half of the state.

Two people remain missing – one at Latrobe and one at Ouse – after being caught up in floodwaters.

At Latrobe, an elderly woman has not been seen since Sunday night-Monday morning, and her husband was rescued from the roof of their flooded house by helicopter on Monday.

At Ouse, a man in his 80s was seen being washed away by waters. Police have deployed a boat to search for him.

Newstead residents near Hoblers Bridge Road have been evacuated, and Albert Hall in Launceston was opened as an evacuation centre on Monday morning.

SES workers have begun evacuating the Meander Valley – including Deloraine, Exton and Westbury – as the Meander River reachers major flood levels.

The North Esk River has also reached major flood levels at Corra Linn (6.44 metres).

At one stage on Monday, six of the state’s biggest rivers were under major flooding alert.

Many schools and childcare facilities in Northern Tasmania were closed as weather threatened the safety of students and teachers.

The Department of Health and Human Services also issued a warning, urging the public to prohibit contact with floodwater as it could contain many contaminants.

Launceston’s flood plans were put into place before lunchtime on Monday, with flood gates, penstocks and tidal flaps activated along the North Esk.

While most of the heavy rain has passed Northern Tasmania, eyes now turn to the East Coast and South East, where flash flooding and river rises are on the cards.

And the SES is still preparing for river rises in the North and North-West of the state, with many rivers expected to peak later on Monday.

Road closures and power outages continue around the state.

Update 3.10pm – Major flood warning for Meander River

Evacuations are underway in the Meander Valley as the Meander River reaches major flooding levels.

The SES has warned that properties in the area are likely to become inundated or isolated by rising waters.

Those affected include Deloraine, Reedy Marsh, Exton, Westbury, Selbourne, Quamby Bend, Hagley, and Westwood.

An evacuation centre is open at the Deloraine recreation centre on Alverston Drive.

For flood and emergency assistance, contact the SES on 132 500.

Update 3pm: The City of Launceston council has moved to assuage fears that current floods impacting the city are on par with the historic 1929 Launceston flood.

“While the (North Esk River) height has been compared to the 1929 flood, it is important to remember that the 1929 flood involved dramatic levels in both the North Esk and South Esk Rivers, before the construction of a levee system for the city. Currently, the South Esk River is not presenting any threat in Launceston,” a statement from the council read.

The statement went on the say that there was no immediate threat to Invermay or Inveresk residents, and nine flood gates, plus penstocks and tidal flaps, on the North Esk River have been closed.

Launceston mayor Albert van Zetten urged the public to heed any warning signs erected by emergency workers.

"Already today we have seen some incredibly stupid behaviour, with some motorists physically removing signs to cross floodwaters," Alderman van Zetten said.

"Please obey any warning signs you see. Don't put your life at risk.”

Update 2pm: Some Newstead homes have been evacuated as floodwaters continue to increase.

About 100 homes at Newstead have been door knocked by SES workers, and the suburb between Birch Avenue and Hoblers Bridge Road has been evacuated.

The evacuation centre in Launceston is the Albert Hall.

The SES is bracing for a busy afternoon, with water levels expected to peak from 3pm on Monday.

Evacuations are also underway at Latrobe, where there is severe flooding.

For Monday afternoon, rain is expected to move east, creating potential flash flooding for the East Coast.

The Acting Director of Public Health Mark Veitch has issued a health alert for residents in the wake of rising floodwaters.

It is advised that people avoid all contact with floodwaters as they may be contaminated with sewage overflows and animal waste.

“If you do come into contact with floodwaters wash your hands and change any contaminated clothing, particularly before preparing or eating food,” Dr Veitch said.

He said dirty water, mud and silt from floods can cause a range of conditions, including gastro and skin and soft-tissue infections.

The University of Tasmania has warned all students not to risk driving in severe weather to reach their exams. 

No UTAS exams have been cancelled and it is expected that all will go ahead but the university has told students that anyone who cannot reach their exam is eligible to defer or reschedule. 

"Where possible the exams office will attempt to reschedule your exam for an alternative date during the exam period," the university said in a statement on Monday. 

"Under no circumstances should students attempt to cross flooded roads or place themselves at risk in order to attend their exam." 

Students will be notified by email if anything changes. 

Semester one exams began on June 4. 

Update 12.20pm: There are now major flood warnings for six rivers in the state.

The Bureau of Meteorology has advised there are major warnings for the Derwent, Forth, Meander, Mersey, North Esk, and South Esk rivers.

Update noon: Two people are missing after being swept away by floodwaters on Monday.

In the North-West, a Latrobe woman is missing, and at Ouse in the state’s south, there are reports of a man in his 80s being swept away by floodwaters.

The Latrobe woman’s husband was rescued through his roof by the Westpac Rescue Helicopter as his home flooded. His wife has not been recovered.

At Ouse, police have dispatched a police boat to search for the man, who went missing near Clunys Road.

Several further properties at Latrobe have been evacuated by boat, including a group of seven people, who were rescued by community members and their dinghy.

RECAP noon: Several houses in the East Launceston area are inundated, as the state battles a major flood event.

Media reports have called the flooding the state's worst in 92 years. 

The North Esk, Meander and Forth Rivers are experiencing major flooding.

Tasmania Police has warned against driving in these conditions and some motorists have already needed to be rescued from flood water.

On Monday morning, the Bureau of Meteorology released the following statement:

"Exceptionally heavy rain has fallen across northern Tasmania over the past 36 hours.  Many locations are likely to break daily rainfall records in the 24 hours to 9am.   

Amongst the higher totals in the 24 hours to 9am today are: Fisher River 276mm, Yolla 248mm, Lake Gwendy 238mm, Lake MacKenzie 237mm, Iris River 229mm, Lake Gairdner Dam 219mm, Sheffield 216mm, Pyengana 211mm. 

At least 34 other locations about the north of the state and the Central Plateau have reported between 100 and 200mm in the 24 hours to 9am today. 

Some notable 24 hour rainfalls to 9am today in bigger population centres are Wynyard 128mm, Ulverstone 113mm, Burnie 112mm, Latrobe 104mm, Devonport 88mm.

The heavy rain has led to Major Flooding on the Mersey, Forth, North and South Esk Rivers, and Major Flooding is expected on the Meander. Moderate or minor flooding has occurred on the Macquarie River and the River Derwent.Some of the river levels are approaching record levels. 

Rain and winds have eased about the northwest and central north.

Heavy rain is likely to continue about the northeast and extend to the east coast and parts of the southeast. A significant easing in rainfall is not expected until Tuesday. 

Update 11.30am: Several schools and care facilities in Launceston’s eastern suburbs are being evacuated.

The City of Launceston council advised the Newstead Christian School in Tudor Avenue, Newstead, Hoblers Bridge Road childcare centre, and St Michael Association at Newstead have been evacuated as precautionary measures.

Update 11am: According to the Bureau of Meteorology, the heavy rain has passed by the North West, central North and Central Plateau.

However, rainfall is expected to remain steady throughout the day. Significant flooding is still forecast for the aforementioned districts.

Heavy rain warnings remain for the North East, East Coast, and South East.

The City of Launceston council has reported that it is closing the Lindsay Street and Seaport pedestrian bridge flood gates.

Update 10.45am: A long list of schools have been forced to close due to the worsening weather conditions. 

According to the Department of Education, the following schools have been closed for Monday: 

Students who are already at the closed schools will be cared for until they can be safely collected.

Update 10.30am: The Bureau of Meteorology has reiterated its severe weather alerts for Northern Tasmania.

The bureau has warned of flash flooding, damaging wind gusts, and the likelihood of trees falling due to sodden ground.

There is also a warning for damaging surf on the state’s East Coast (from the northern tip of Flinders Island to Tasman Island), which are likely to cause coastal erosion and local inundation flooding.

More than 40 sites around Northern Tasmania have recorded between 100 and 200 millimetres of rain in 24 hours.

Update 9.45am: The North Esk River catchment has reached record flooding levels.

The river at Corra Linn stands at 5.67 metres, at Ballroom 3.72m, and at St Patricks River at Nunamara Offlake 3.33m.

Update 8.55am: The Bass Highway has been affected by flash flooding, making parts of it impassable.

At Elizabethtown and Sassafras, the highway is closed, and there is reported to be mass amounts of water over the road at Westbury, as well as Boat Harbour and Emu Bridge at Burnie.

Update 8.35am: The City of Launceston council has opened the Albert Hall in Launceston as an evacuation centre.

The North Esk River is expected to set a new record for its highest flood peak.

The catchment has received about 128 millimetres of rain since 9am on Sunday, with further rain expected throughout Monday and into early Tuesday.

St Patricks River at Nunamara offlake is predicted to overtake a moderate flood level of 3 metres on Monday morning.

The river at Corra Linn sat at 4.92m on Monday morning, and is expected to exceed 5.5m on Monday afternoon.

Update 8.20am: Flooded roads are affecting The Examiner’s subscribers.

Our newspaper delivery drivers are unable to safely deliver papers to St Helens, Scamander, St Marys, Fingal, and Gladstone.

EARLIER: Tasmania Police and the State Emergency Service have urged Northern Tasmanians to take care as wild weather continues to hit the state.

On Monday, the Bureau of Meteorology is predicting heavy rain for the central north, North East, East Coast and South East of the state, plus parts of the North West coast, Central Plateau and the Midlands.

The rain will come with damaging winds of 50km/h, with peak gusts of 90km/h.

There are road closures current throughout the state, and the SES has urged people to not drive through floodwaters.

Over the weekend, the SES has had to rescue some people whose vehicles have been stuck in flood waters.

Flash flooding is forecast for most of the North.

The Meander River is expected to reach a major flood level on Monday afternoon, peaking between 3.4 and 3.7 metres.

The bureau reported that the Meander catchment received about 145 millimetres of rain over the weekend, and between 30 and 50 further millimetres is predicted on Monday.

The Liffey River will also continue to rise throughout Monday.

In the state’s North West, some Wynyard residents have been forced to evacuate due to flooding.

Evacuation centres have been opened, as further flooding is expected.

Those centres are the East Devonport recreation ground, and the Railway Institute Hall.