Australia Weather News

The earth is so wet in Tasmania, authorities are warning the high winds forecast for Wednesday morning could push trees over, as gusts pick up across the state.

Winds with gusts of up to 120 kilometres an hour are expected early tomorrow, and a statewide alert which urges people to prepare for the conditions has been issued.

Trampolines, outdoor furniture and play equipment should be tied down before the north-westerly winds arrive, the State Emergency Service (SES) warned.

"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", SES assistant director Leon Smith said.

"With the ground at saturation point following winter rains, it is more likely that trees are unstable and the likelihood of them being blown over in strong winds is increased."

Tasmanian boat owners are being urged to take extra measures to secure their vessels ahead of the gusty conditions.

The Tasmanian Parks and Wildlife Service said people planning to be out in the bush should "consider your safety as trees may drop limbs or even fall".

The Bureau of Meteorology (BOM) has issued a number of warnings, including severe weather warnings and flood watches for a number of waterways.

Peter Jenkins from Marine and Safety Tasmania said boat owners should consider adding a second back-up mooring line in preparation for the gusty conditions.

"People need to make sure boats are secure, check the head ropes, keep an eye on your boats over this windy period," he said.

"Even rig up a second line — don't rely on just one line. We have seen boats come free with just one line before. It's a good idea to have a backup.

"Also keep an eye on boats on trailers with large covers; make sure covers are secure."

Mr Jenkins urged boat owners to not go sailing during the windy conditions.

The SES advises that people should do the following to prepare for strong winds:

• 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 latest weather warnings at www.bom.gov.au/tas
• Check that family and neighbours are aware of warnings

The warnings come days after high winds swept across Tasmania, damaging property and disrupting flights.

The BOM said Tasmanians should prepare for windy conditions with north-westerly gusts of up to 120kph on Wednesday in exposed areas around the state.

The windy conditions are set to develop late on Tuesday before intensifying in the evening.

Luke Johnston, severe weather forecaster at the Bureau of Meteorology, said the north-westerly winds could be potentially quite damaging.

"Across the state very early on Wednesday before a cold front gets here we will see north-westerly winds become quite fresh and gusty and we've issued a severe weather warning for potentially damaging north-westerly winds," Mr Johnston said.

"That will be current for the southern half of Tasmania on Tuesday from midday moving up the east coast Tuesday evening as well and then be state-wide all of Wednesday."

On Tuesday, Tasmania is forecast to have wind gusts in excess of 100kph as well as sustained speeds of 60 to 70kph.

"The windiest period looks like it will be about 5:00am on Wednesday, when we will see wind gusts strengthen further with the potential to get between 110 and 120kph with wind gusts in excess of 120kph in exposed locations."

'Potential' flooding risk for Tamar River

Mr Johnston said there was a potential flooding risk for the Tamar River on Wednesday and that the BOM would keep a close eye on conditions on Tuesday.

"The winds could act to enhance the sea level and the tide, so that could inundate lower lying areas on the north coast of Tasmania including potentially areas of the Tamar River."

Mr Johnston said it was too early to tell how serious the risk was of flooding and urged residents to take any directions from local emergency services.