Multiple warrnings: wild weather ahead

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THE Bureau of Meteorology has updated several weather warnings impacting on the Derwent Valley tonight and tomorrow.

• Severe weather warning for damaging winds and heavy rainfall
• Road weather alert for dangerous driving conditions
• Sheep graziers warning

A minor flood warning is also in place for rivers in the Derwent system.

Australian Government Bureau of Meteorology
Tasmanian Regional Office

TOP PRIORITY

SEVERE WEATHER WARNING

for DAMAGING WINDS and HEAVY RAINFALL

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

Issued at 9:55pm Thursday, 29 September 2016.

Weather Situation
A trough currently lies over Tasmania from St Helens to Low Rocky Point. A small but deep low associated with this trough is expected to form near the east coast later this evening and will slowly move southwards along the coast overnight tonight and Friday morning. Damaging northeasterly wind gusts and heavy rainfall are expected to occur on the southern side of the trough and low. The trough is expected to stall near a line from Bicheno to Low Rocky Point around midnight, then slowly track southwards again around sunrise tomorrow.

DAMAGING NORTHEASTERLY WINDS averaging 60 to 70 km/h, with peak gusts of 90 to 100 km/h are expected about the east, and the southeast coastal fringes. Winds will tend more easterly overnight then contract to the far south by around midday Friday.
Winds are also expected to bring northeasterly swells up to 5 metres to the east coast.

HEAVY RAIN which may lead to FLASH FLOODING is forecast in the east this evening and is expected to move over the southeast early on Friday morning just before sunrise, contracting to the far south around midday.
24 hour rainfall totals of 60 to 80mm are possible about the east and southeast, with in excess of 100 mm possible about elevated areas, however rainfall is heavily dependant on the exact position of the low and that is very uncertain at this stage.
Rivulets around Hobart (and elsewhere in the east and southeast) may rise rapidly Friday morning and afternoon.
Currently, the heaviest rain is in the east and northeast. Rain in the remainder of the north will mostly clear this evening.
Locations which may be affected include Hobart, St Helens, Swansea, New Norfolk, Geeveston and Dover.

The State Emergency Service advises that people should:
* Supervise children closely.
* Check that family and neighbours are aware of warnings.
* Manage pets and livestock.
* Secure outdoor items including furniture and play equipment.
* Be prepared in case of power outages.
* Beware of damaged trees and power lines and take care when driving.
* Clear drains and gutters on premises prior to severe weather arriving.
* Do not walk, ride or drive through flood waters.
* Listen to the ABC radio or check www.ses.tas.gov.au for further advice.
* For emergency assistance contact the SES on 132500.

The next Severe Weather Warning will be issued by 5am Friday.

Road Weather Alert

for Upper Derwent Valley, North East, Midlands, East Coast and South East forecast districts

Issued at 10:04pm on Thursday 29 September 2016.

Reduced visibility and possible water over roads in heavy rain will make road conditions dangerous during Thursday evening and Friday in parts of the North East, Midlands, East Coast, Upper Derwent Valley and South East forecast districts.

The road weather alert for the North West Coast, Central North and Central Plateau forecast districts has been cancelled, but the situation will continue to be monitored and further alerts will be issued if necessary.

For information on any road closures, please contact your local council or the Police.

The next alert will be issued by 5am Friday.

Warning to Sheep Graziers

for the Upper Derwent Valley, North East, Midlands, East Coast and South East forecast districts

Issued at 10:04pm on Thursday 29 September 2016.

Sheep graziers are warned that cold temperatures, heavy rain and showers and strong easterly winds are expected during Thursday evening and Friday. Areas likely to be affected include the Midlands, East Coast and South East forecast districts and parts of the North East and Upper Derwent Valley forecast districts. There is a risk of losses of lambs and sheep exposed to these conditions.

The Warning to Sheep Graziers for the Furneaux Islands, North West Coast and Central North forecast districts has been cancelled.

The next warning will be issued by 5am Friday.