Severe weather warning

Bureau of Meteorology
Tasmanian Regional Office

SEVERE WEATHER WARNING

for DAMAGING WINDS, HEAVY RAINFALL and ABNORMALLY HIGH TIDES

For the Upper Derwent Valley, South East, North East, East Coast and Midlands Forecast Districts.

Issued at 4:01 pm Saturday, 12 November 2016.

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Weather Situation

A low pressure system west of King Island currently extends a trough over Victoria to a second low developing over the Tasman Sea. These lows and trough combine with a high to the southeast of Tasmania to bring a strong and moist easterly flow over Tasmania. The trough will move south over Tasmania overnight, with the eastern low to then gradually become dominant tomorrow, forcing the western low to weaken as it move north tomorrow night, while a high moves over the Bight.

DAMAGING EASTERLY WINDS, averaging 50 to 60 km/h with peak gusts in excess of 80 km/h are likely to develop about northeastern Tasmania this evening, extending to the East Coast late. Winds are then expected to ease early Sunday, while increasing about the southeast, although winds are not likely to reach damaging strengths in Hobart.

HEAVY RAIN which may lead to FLASH FLOODING is expected about northeastern and central eastern Tasmania from this afternoon, extending to the South East, Midlands and Upper Derwent Valley overnight while easing about the northeast. 
24 hour totals of in excess of 50mm are likely overnight, with totals in excess of 100mm likely about elevated areas.

ABNORMALLY HIGH TIDES which may cause sea water flooding of low lying areas are possible about the east and southeast coast Sunday morning, although not likely in Hobart.
Water levels could exceed the highest tide of the year by 20 centimetres during Sunday morning's high tide.
Locations which may be affected include St Helens, Swansea, New Norfolk, Hobart, Geeveston and Dover. 
The radar currently shows a band of thunderstorms and heavy rain approaching from over Bass Strait. 

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 11pm Saturday.

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