Australia Weather News

The bureau predicts 80 millimetres will fall on the east coast. - ABC

Severe weather predicted for Tasmania's north and east today has prompted a public warning from emergency services.

The Bureau of Meteorology has issued a severe weather warning for damaging winds and heavy rain with the potential for flash flooding.

A low pressure system over King Island in western Bass Strait is expected to move east to the Tasman Sea this morning, creating up to 80 millimetres of rain over 24 hours.

Heavy rain and possible flash flooding is forecast for the east coast and hinterland between cape Portland and Swansea this morning.

Elevated areas could receive as much as 100 millimetres of rain.

Winds speeds averaging about 70kph are expected with gusts in excess of 100kph in the north-east and northern coast.

Mhairi Bradley from the SES said drivers and farmers should be alert to the conditions.

"Certainly heavy rainfalls are a risk to road users, they certainly present dangerous road conditions," she said.

"Under no circumstances do we want people driving or walking or cycling through floodwaters.

"Farmers and graziers who know they are at risk of flash flooding need to be vigilant and aware that rainfall may start."

Forecaster Matthew Thomas said a large section of the state's east coast would be affected.

"Heavy rain could be anywhere really from Cape Portland down to Swansea," he said.

"The severe weather warning covers that area and in as far as Fingal.

"With the bulk of the rain falling in around a three-hour period, there's a possibility of flash flooding."

ABC