Australia Weather News

Winds are expected to reach 100kph in Hobart this afternoon. - ABC

Severe weather warnings are in place across large parts of Tasmania, as strong winds and heavy rainfall batter the state.

Bureau of Meteorology (BOM) duty forecaster David Matthews said he expected the worst of the front to hit this afternoon and into the evening.

Wind gusts are predicted to exceed 100 kilometres per hour and there will be wave heights of up to 8 metres on the west coast.

Snow is predicted to reach 400m on Wednesday afternoon.

Winds have already caused power outages with TasNetworks working to restore services to more than 1,500 homes and businesses across Tasmania.

TasNetworks is investigating outages in eight locations across the state's south.

"Severe weather warnings are in place for damaging winds for western, southern, central and far north-east of the state," Mr Matthews said.

"We expect those winds to be around 60-70kph with gusts reaching 100kph."

There have been "reasonable rainfall totals" in the state's west of up to 20mm and falls are expected to keep increasing into the night.

Wind gusts are also likely to exceed 100kph again from Wednesday evening.

The State Emergency Service (SES) is urging the public to prepare for two cold fronts that will bring "damaging winds, heavy rain, snow and flooding".

SES spokesman Mark Nelson said conditions would be "difficult".

"Be very careful when you're out and about, there may be a lot of debris flying around," he said.

In an alert issued just before noon on Tuesday, the SES said the conditions would deteriorate later in the day and through Wednesday.

In a statement issued at noon, the SES said residents should secure outdoor items.

"In order to prepare for the strong winds, we ask that people tie down and secure any loose items including outdoor furniture and play equipment," the statement said.

"Winds of this speed can pick up items like trampolines and debris and carry them some distance, and can blow trees and power lines across roads."

Heavy rainfall largely in the south-west would result in "strong river rises in the Huon and Derwent River systems" and farmers in low-lying areas should consider moving

Marine and Safety Tasmania is reporting two boats have broken from moorings at both Sandy Bay and Dodges Ferry.

The SES advises that people should do the following to prepare for severe weather:

  • Secure outdoor items including furniture and play equipment [trampolines are a frequent issue in high winds]
  • Beware of fallen trees and power lines
  • Take care when driving
  • Be prepared in case of power outages and report outages to TasNetworks on 132 004
  • Keep up to date with the latestTasmanian weather warnings
  • Check that family and neighbours are aware of warnings
  • Never drive, ride or walk through water flowing over roads and bridges and obey
    road closure signs
  • Monitor and move stock and equipment from low-lying paddocks as required.
  • Be aware of debris on roads after flooding has subsided.
  • Visit www.ses.tas.gov.au for further preparation advice
  • For road closures: www.police.tas.gov.au
  • Listen toABC Local Radiofor updates in an emergency
  • For flood and storm assistance call SES on 132 500
  • In a life-threatening emergency call Triple Zero (000)

ABC