Severe weather warning for Wednesday

Severe Weather Warning
for damaging winds and heavy rain for people in the Upper Derwent Valley, Central Plateau, South East, King Island, Furneaux Islands, North West Coast, Central North, North East, Western,  Midlands and East Coast districts

Issued at 10:03 pm EST on Tuesday 1 October 2013.

Damaging winds for western Tasmania, the Central Plateau and the East Coast district, and heavy rain for northern Tasmania and the Central Plateau.

Weather Situation
An intense low will pass well to the southwest of Tasmania on Wednesday, with an associated cold front to cross the state from the west during the day.

Damaging winds around 50km/h with peak gusts of 100km/h are forecast for the King Island, Furneaux Islands, North-West Coast, Central North, North-East, Western, Central Plateau, Midlands and East Coast forecast districts and parts of the Upper Derwent Valley and South-East forecast districts. Drivers are advised that gusty winds will make driving conditions dangerous.

Thunderstorms and heavy rain which may lead to flash flooding are forecast for the North-West Coast, Central North, North East and Central Plateau forecast districts.

In the three hours to 10pm, wind gusts of 119km/h have been observed on Mt Wellington, with 110km/h at Maatsuyker Island and 98km/h at Low Rocky Point.

The State Emergency Service and Tasmania Police advise that people should:

• Secure or put away loose items around your house, yard and balcony.
• Keep clear of fallen power lines.
• Don't drive, ride or walk through water flowing over roads and bridges and obey all road closure signs.
• Keep clear of creeks and storm drains.
• People living near small rivers and streams should be prepared to evacuate, secure their homes and move to premises on higher ground if flood waters approach.
• For emergency help in floods and storms, ring the SES on 13 25 00.

The next warning will be issued by 5am Wednesday.