Weather warning updated

Bureau of Meteorology
Tasmania

TOP PRIORITY FOR IMMEDIATE BROADCAST

Severe Weather Warning

for DAMAGING WINDS and ABNORMALLY HIGH TIDES

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

Issued at 10:16 am Friday, 10 August 2018.

DAMAGING WINDS ACROSS TASMANIA TODAY WITH ABNORMALLY HIGH TIDES IN THE SOUTHEAST IN THE EVENING

Weather Situation: A vigorous northwesterly wind stream is developing today ahead of a cold front to cross Tasmania late evening. Abnormally high tides in the southeast are possible, coinciding with a king tide in the evening.

DAMAGING NORTHWESTERLY WINDS, averaging 60 to 70 km/h with peak gusts in excess of 100 km/h are likely over much of Tasmania from late this morning and are expected to peak during the afternoon.

Winds are expected to ease and shift westerly in the late evening behind the cold front.

ABNORMALLY HIGH TIDES may cause sea water flooding of low lying areas over the southeast inshore coastline between Southport and the Tasman Peninsula in the evening, coinciding with a king tide between 6 pm and 7 pm.

Sea levels could exceed the highest standard (astronomical) tide of the year by 30 to 40 cm with the evening high tide.

Locations which may be affected include Swansea, Strahan, New Norfolk, Hobart, Geeveston and Dover.

In the past 6 hours, the following wind gusts have been observed: 124 km/h Mt Read, 109 km/h Mt Wellington (kunanyi) and Tasman Island, 102 km/h Scotts Peak, 98km/h Cape Grim, 96 km/h Cape Sorell.

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 and report any outages to TasNetworks on 132 004. 
* Beware of damaged trees and power lines and take care when driving. 
* 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 5pm Friday.

Warnings are also available through TV and Radio broadcasts, the Bureau's website at www.bom.gov.au or call 1300 659 216. The Bureau and State Emergency Service would appreciate warnings being broadcast regularly.

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