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Bureau of Meteorology
Tasmanian Regional Office

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SEVERE WEATHER WARNING
for DAMAGING WINDS
For people in the Upper Derwent Valley, King Island, Furneaux Islands, Western, South East, East Coast, Central Plateau, Midlands and parts of the North East, North West Coast and Central North Forecast Districts.

Issued at 10am Sunday, 9 October 2016.

WEATHER SITUATION:
A north to northwesterly airstream will strengthen considerably this morning as a strong cold front approaches from the west. The front is expected to cross Tasmania this evening with winds easing a little behind the front.

DAMAGING NORTH TO NORTHWESTERLY WINDS averaging 50 to 60 km/h with peak gusts of around 90 km/h are expected to develop across much of the western, southern, eastern and central parts of Tasmania during this morning. However, gusts in excess of 100 km/h are possible throughout parts of the Midlands, East Coast and elevated areas.

DAMAGING WINDS averaging around 60 km/h with peaks gusts of 90 to 100 km/h are then expected to develop about the Furneaux Islands and central north and northeast coasts this evening.
The damaging winds are expected to ease a little this evening after the cold front has crossed.
Trees may fall over more easily than usual due to saturated soil conditions.

Locations which may be affected include Devonport, Swansea, Strahan, New Norfolk, Hobart and Dover.  Mount Wellington, Mount Read and Tasman Island have all reported gusts in excess of 100 km/h this morning.

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 13 25 00.

The next Severe Weather Warning will be issued by 5pm Sunday.
Warnings are also available through TV and Radio broadcasts, the Bureau's website at www.bom.gov.au or call 1300 659 216.