Severe weather warning

Australian Government Bureau of Meteorology

Severe Weather Warning

for DAMAGING WINDS and DAMAGING SURF

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

Issued at 4:10pm Friday, 1 May 2020.

DAMAGING SOUTHWESTERLY WINDS ACROSS MUCH OF TASMANIA DURING SATURDAY, WITH DAMAGING SURF ALONG COASTS ABOUT THE FAR SOUTH AND SOUTHEAST, AS WELL AS KING ISLAND

Weather Situation:

A very deep low pressure centre crosses southern Tasmania early Saturday, with strong south to southwesterly winds to follow throughout Saturday.

DAMAGING SOUTHWESTERLY WINDS, averaging 60 to 70 km/h with peak gusts around 100 km/h, are possible across much of Tasmania apart from parts of the northeast. Gusts in excess of 100 km/h are possible about elevated areas as well as exposed coastal areas. The strongest gusts are expected to develop very early Saturday morning, with winds beginning to ease later in the day.

DAMAGING SURF, which may lead to localised damage and coastal erosion, is possible along coasts about far south and southeast Tasmania as well as and King Island (including Tasman Peninsula, Bruny Island and Currie). Damaging surf is expected mainly along the west to south facing coasts in these areas.

Note that tides about south and southeastern Tasmania are expected to be higher than the usual tide, so local inundation may occur with damaging surf.

Locations which may be affected include Devonport, Burnie, Swansea, Strahan, 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.

* Surf Life Saving Tasmania advises no swimming in areas exposed to large surf.

* Listen to the ABC radio or check www.ses.tas.gov.au for further advice.

* For emergency assistance contact the SES on 132 500. 

The next Severe Weather Warning will be issued by 11pm Friday.

Warnings are also available through the Bureau's website at www.bom.gov.au or call 1300 659 210.