Tasmania weather: Severe weather warnings issued for state as damaging winds forecast

Hail storms, wind gusts of up to 100km/h and high tides are beginning to lash the state, with multiple weather warnings in place. FULL FORECAST

Windy conditions have been forecast for Tasmania on Tuesday. Picture: Windy.com

Tasmania is shivering as a cold front crosses the island, with wind gusts of up to 100km/h and high tides well above normal levels forecast for parts of the state, forcing the Bureau of Meteorology to issue severe weather warnings.

Large amounts of small hail have also been reported at the Great Lake and parts of Launceston.

The BOM advised at 10.57am that a front, ahead of a complex low in The Bight, is bringing increased winds as it moves through Bass Strait today.

“Strong north-westerly winds about 50 to 60 km/h with damaging wind gusts around 100km/h are possible as the frontal system traverses from west to east through Bass Strait, especially in association with showers or isolated thunderstorms,” it warned.

“King Island and central and eastern parts of the north coast may be affected during the afternoon and evening; the far northeast coast and Furneaux Islands this evening and early Wednesday.

“Winds will shift west to south-westerly and abate in the wake of the frontal system, though remain breezy during Wednesday.”

Locations which may be affected include Devonport, Currie, Whitemark, Bridport and George Town.

A severe weather warning has been issued by the Bureau of Meteorology.

Gales and elevated sea levels are expected in the South and abnormally high tides could lead to sea water flooding of low-lying coastal areas between Southport and the Tasman Peninsula, including parts of the Derwent River.

“These conditions may also affect Macquarie Harbour. Tides are likely to rise well above the normal high tide mark during Tuesday evening’s high tide with tides again rising above the normal high tide mark Wednesday evening,” the BOM said.

Originally published as Tasmania weather: Severe weather warnings issued for state as damaging winds forecast