Severe weather warning for Tasmania, North Esk flood warning

A severe weather warning for damaging winds has been updated to include all of Tasmania, with winds expected to average 60 to 70 km/h from Wednesday evening until Thursday morning. 

The Bureau of Meteorology has advised that peak gusts of around 100 km/h are also possible.

According to BOM, strong winds will continue with more rain on the way as a vigorous cold front crosses the state.

On Tuesday night, Tasmania experienced strong and gusty winds with some of the highest recorded speeds at Mount Wellington,144 km/h, Hobart, 98 km/h and Launceston Airport, 93 km/h.

Winds will ease a little early on Thursday, however blustery conditions will continue for most of the week.

Isolated thunderstorms are possible Wednesday and Thursday in the north and west, with snow expected to fall above 600 metres late Wednesday evening. 

A moderate flood warning is currently in place for the North Esk River.

Minor flood warnings are also current for the Meander and Macquarie rivers as a result Tuesday night’s rainfall and catchments that were already wet.

Rainfall totals of 25 millimetres were recorded in most areas before 9am Wednesday.

The highest rainfall totals were at Mount Read with 49.4 millimetres, Strahan with 26 millimetres and Quamby Bluff with 26 millimetres.

Heavy rain is expected to continue Wednesday and Thursday, with two-day totals of between 80 and 100 millimetres expected in the north west, Highlands and north east.

A flood watch remains current for north west, north and north east, Derwent and Huon catchments.

Flood watch and warning products will be reviewed and updated if required here.

Severe weather warning details are updated here.