Severe thunderstorm warning

Bureau of Meteorology
Tasmanian Regional Office

SEVERE THUNDERSTORM WARNING

for HEAVY RAINFALL and LARGE HAILSTONES

For people in the Upper Derwent Valley, South East, East Coast, Central North, Midlands and parts of the Western, North East, North West Coast and Central Plateau Forecast Districts.

Issued at 2:43 pm Thursday, 28 January 2016.

Severe thunderstorms may produce heavy rainfall that may lead to flash flooding and large hailstones in the warning area over the next several hours. Locations which may be affected include Hobart, Launceston, Devonport, Swansea, Scottsdale, New Norfolk, Bridport, Ross, Huonville, Orford, Bothwell and Richmond. 

In the last 1 to 3 hours Kimberly (Mersey River) has quickly received around 30mm of rainfall, and Sheffield and Meander have quickly received around 20mm of rainfall. There have also been multiple 3rd party accounts of heavy rainfall. There has also been a report of hail in the Midlands.

The State Emergency Service advises that people should: 
* Move your car under cover. 
* Avoid driving, walking or riding through flood waters. 
* Seek shelter, preferably indoors and never under trees. 
* Avoid using the telephone during a thunderstorm. 
* Beware of fallen trees and powerlines. 
* For emergency assistance contact the SES on 132500. 

The next warning is due to be issued by 5:45 pm.

Warnings are also available through the Bureau's website at www.bom.gov.au or call 1300 659 216.