Weather warning updated

Bureau of Meteorology
Tasmanian Regional Office

TOP PRIORITY FOR IMMEDIATE BROADCAST

SEVERE WEATHER WARNING

for DAMAGING WINDS

For people in the Upper Derwent Valley, King Island, Furneaux Islands, Western, South East, North East, East Coast, North West Coast, Central North, Central Plateau and Midlands Forecast Districts.

Issued at 10:26 am Wednesday, 5 October 2016.

Weather Situation
A deep low pressure system will pass to the south of Tasmania today. An associated warm front will cross Tasmania during the morning, and this coincides with the onset of damaging winds. A cold front will cross Tasmania during the afternoon, with winds expected to remain strong and gusty until the low moves away to the southeast tonight.
DAMAGING WEST TO NORTHWESTERLY WINDS, averaging 60 to 70 km/h with peak gusts in excess of 100 km/h are developing about the west coast this morning then extending throughout Tasmania from around midday. Winds should begin to ease about the northwest in the early evening, and about the remainder of the state later in the evening.
Trees may fall over more easily than usual due to saturated soil conditions.
Locations which may be affected include Devonport, Burnie, Launceston, St Helens, Swansea, Strahan, New Norfolk and Hobart. 

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.
* 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 5pm Wednesday.

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