Severe weather warning

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Bureau of Meteorology
Tasmanian

SEVERE WEATHER WARNING

for DAMAGING WINDS

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

Issued at 10.12am Tuesday, 13 December 2016.

Weather Situation
A trough just northwest of Tasmania will move over the state in the next few hours, with a cold front then expected just west of the state tonight as a deep low moves to the southwest. These features, combined with a slow moving high over the Tasman Sea, will result in very strong northwesterly winds aloft over Tasmania, which are expected to mix to the surface during the afternoon and evening over Bass Strait, the central north coast and the northeast. The low will then continue deepening as it passes just south of Tasmania early Wednesday, easing the winds about the north while increasing them about the south.

DAMAGING WINDS, averaging 50 to 60 km/h with peak gusts in excess of 100 km/h are possible about Bass Strait, the far northeast and the central north coast during Tuesday afternoon and evening. These winds are expected to extend to the south and the east coast early on Wednesday.
Winds are expected to ease from around midday Wednesday as the low moves away to the southeast.
Locations which may be affected include Devonport, St Helens, Swansea, New Norfolk, Hobart 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.
* 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 Tuesday.

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