Winds well over 60km/h expected to hit Tasmania from Saturday night

Some parts of the state could experience wind gusts of up to 120km/h, with the Bureau of Meteorology issuing a severe weather warning. Find out which areas are expected to be affected.

Tasmania SES crews during wild weather event generic pic. Picture: Tas SES

Tasmanians are being warned to brace for potentially damaging winds expected to hit the state on Saturday night.

The Bureau of Meteorology (BOM) has issued a severe weather warning for Western, Upper Derwent Valley, Central Plateau, and parts of South East, North East, East Coast, North West Coast, Central North, and Midlands Forecast Districts.

“Damaging north to north-westerly winds averaging 60 to 70km/h with peak gusts of around 100km/h are likely over the elevated parts of the Western District from late Saturday night, extending to central and eastern areas early Sunday,” a BOM spokesperson said.

“The damaging wind risk will be mainly above 700 metres elevation but potentially to lower elevations in the immediate lee of higher terrain, including Kingston and southern parts of Greater Hobart.”

Tasmania SES crews during wild weather event generic image. Picture: Tas SES

The BOM said areas over 1000m above sea level could experience gusts of up to 120km/h.

“High-based showers may result in localised severe gusts to lower elevations.

“Winds should ease below warning thresholds with the passage of the cold front over the west around dawn Sunday and over eastern parts by midday Sunday.

“Locations which may be affected include Oatlands, Queenstown, New Norfolk, Bothwell, Geeveston and Huonville.”

The SES urged people in the affected areas to stay updated with weather warnings and prepare for potential strong winds.

Originally published as Winds well over 60km/h expected to hit Tasmania from Saturday night