Australia Weather News

The north-east is predicted to get up to 150 millimetres of rain on Saturday. - ABC

Tasmania's run of summer weather has come to a temporary halt with heavy rainfall in the state's north.

The State Emergency Service (SES) has advised residents to batten down and be prepared as a complex low pressure system sweeping though Australia's south-east bears down on Tasmania.

Heavy rain and flash flooding have been forecast over the weekend.

Senior meteorologist Rachel McInerney said there could also be severe thunderstorms.

"We will see the rainband weaken out Sunday morning but then it'll shift to a more convective pattern," she said.

"We'll see showers and thunderstorms right across Tasmania through tomorrow and there is the potential we'll see some severity to those thunderstorms tomorrow afternoon and evening."

A flood watch is in place for the north, east and Bass Strait islands and road weather alerts for heavy rain have also been issued for the north and east of the state.

Up to 150 millimetres of rain is predicted for the north-east on Saturday and Sunday, and up to 80mm for the north and north-west.

Gray in the north-east has already received 94mm.

SES assistant director Leon Smith said while Tasmanians were accustomed to wild weather, they should never get complacent.

"We're rolling into summer and we start to revert to summer thinking but in this instance … we need to maintain awareness," he said.

Mr Smith said sandbags had been deployed and other precautionary measures taken.

"There's also a very high chance of trees coming down during the event and even post the event," he said.

A rainband is expected to hit the north of the state and extend down the east coast as a complex low pressure system sweeps across Australia's south-east.

The Bureau of Meterology (BOM) has forecasted gusty winds of up to 80 kilometres per hour across the north and east coasts in the evening.

The SES has advised residents to:

  • Avoid floodwaters on roads, drains and culverts
  • Beware of fallen trees and power lines
  • Prepare for power outages
  • Always take care when driving
  • Ensure drains and gutters are clear of debris
  • Mr Smith urged Tasmanians to heed the warnings.

    "We see a lot of instances where people make poor decisions and venture out into flood waters and then require assistance," Mr Smith said.

    "Heed these warnings … categorically you do not enter flood waters.

    "People can get complacent with them... but the problem is you can't see or identify what is below flood waters."

    A flood watch has been issued for the north and north east as minor to moderate flooding is possible in multiple catchments.

    A moderate flood warning is in place for the South Esk River and farmers in the area have been warned to move livestock and equipment from low lying areas.

    The BOM predicts he state will not see a return to clear summer skies until mid next week when the pressure system clears off.

    ABC