Severe weather warning

Australian Government Bureau of Meteorology

Severe Weather Warning

for DAMAGING WINDS

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

Issued at 10:27 am Tuesday, 20 August 2019.

DAMAGING WINDS POSSIBLE TUESDAY AND WEDNESDAY

Weather Situation:
A cold front embedded in a strong and gusty west to southwesterly flow will cross Tasmania during Tuesday afternoon and evening. Strong and gusty west to southwesterly winds will continue through Wednesday and then increase again on Wednesday evening as another cold front crosses Tasmania.

DAMAGING WESTERLY WINDS are possible in all western, southern and central areas, as well as over the far northeast and the Bass Strait Islands. DAMAGING WINDS averaging 60 to 70 km/h with peak gusts of around 100 km/h are possible from around midday Tuesday, although elevated areas above 400m may experience gusts over 110km/h.

Winds will begin to ease over southeast Tasmania during Tuesday evening, with gusts of 70 to 80 km/h still likely. However DAMAGING WINDS will continue overnight and through Wednesday in western and central areas, and through Bass Strait.

DAMAGING WEST TO SOUTHWESTERLY WINDS will redevelop over southern and eastern Tasmania on Wednesday evening.

Locations which may be affected include Currie, Smithton, Oatlands, Whitemark, Orford, Strahan, Hobart, and Geeveston.

Maximum wind gust observations over the past 6 hours include: 131 km/h at kunanyi/Mt Wellington, 128 km/h at Maatsuyker Island, 106 km/h at Cape Grim, and 76 km/h at 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 and report any outages to TasNetworks on 132 004. 
* 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 659 210. The Bureau and State Emergency Service would appreciate warnings being broadcast regularly.