Severe weather warning

Australian Government Bureau of Meteorology

TOP PRIORITY FOR IMMEDIATE BROADCAST

Severe Weather Warning

for DAMAGING WINDS and HEAVY RAINFALL

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

Issued at 9:40 am Friday, 6 September 2019.

HEAVY RAIN ACROSS EAST, SOUTHEAST AND CENTRAL NORTH TASMANIA FRIDAY AND SATURDAY, WITH DAMAGING WINDS ALONG THE EAST COAST

Weather Situation: A low pressure centre develops near northeast Tasmania during Friday and deepens, bringing heavy rain and strong winds to the eastern half of the state. The low moves away from Tasmania during Saturday evening.

HEAVY RAIN which may lead to FLASH FLOODING is possible across parts of northern, eastern and southeastern Tasmania during Friday, and continues during Saturday about the east and southeast.

Throughout the CENTRAL NORTH of Tasmania, heavy rain is possible until late Friday afternoon. Rainfall totals of 20 to 40 mm are possible, however heavier rainfall that may lead to flash flooding is possible in thunderstorms.

Throughout EASTERN Tasmania, widespread heavy rain that may lead to flash flooding is expected to develop Friday afternoon, with rainfall totals of generally 40 to 80 mm during Friday and a further 40 to 80 mm during Saturday. Much higher totals are possible over elevated areas. Rainfall eases during Saturday afternoon.

Throughout SOUTH EAST Tasmania, including HOBART, heavy rain that may lead to flash flooding is expected to develop Friday evening and persist until Saturday afternoon. During this time, 50 to 80 mm of rainfall is possible throughout the area, with much higher totals possible over elevated areas.

DAMAGING EASTERLY WINDS, averaging 60 to 70 km/h with gusts of around 90 to 100 km/h are possible along the entire eastern coastal strip of Tasmania from Swan Island to Tasman Island. The strongest winds are expected to develop Friday afternoon, then tend southeasterly early Saturday and ease later Saturday.

Locations which may be affected include Devonport, Launceston, St Helens, Swansea, New Norfolk and 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. 
* 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 5pm Friday.

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.