Traffic chaos as wind, rain batters state
Two people have been hospitalised with serious injuries following a crash north of Hobart. Flood warnings are in place around Tasmania as the rain wreaks traffic chaos in Hobart. See the full warnings + stay up to date with the latest advice >>
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Two people have been taken to the Royal Hobart Hospital in a serious condition following a two-car crash at Dromedary near Bridgewater.
Tasmania Police Inspector Philippa Burk said the scene was “particular chaotic”, requiring a “massive amount of paramedics”.
“There is a large amount of debris on the road … and the vehicles are severely damaged,” she said.
Insp Burk said police believe a black BMW with a 29-year-old New Norfolk man travelling towards Bridgewater and a red Toyota Camry driven by a 30-year-old Bridgewater woman with her two-year-old son heading towards New Norfolk on Boyer Rd collided about midday.
The two drivers were taken hospital in a serious but stable condition while the two-year-old was uninjured.
A strtement from Bridgwater Police said initial investigations suggested the Bridgewater-bound BMW crossed to the incorrect side of the road, colliding with the New Norfolk-bound Toyota.
Insp Burk said the public could assist police in the inclement weather by driving to the conditions, and abiding by the Fatal Five.
“We have no independent eye witnesses to the traffic crash and we would ask that anyone who has witnessed the crash, or anybody with dashcam footage would contact us,” she said.
“Slow down, drive to the conditions, please plan to arrive safe and well so that you can have a safe and happy Christmas with your loved ones.”
The scene was cleared at 3.45pm.
Tasmania Police have also responded to crashes on the Tasman Highway in Mornington, Kings Bridge in Launceston and on the East Derwent Highway.
Tasmania Police wish to remind motorists of the following:
- Pay attention when you are driving.
- Leave your mobile phone alone.
- Allow sufficient space between you and the car in front.
- Proceed safely through an accident scene if you drive across one but do not stop suddenly to look at the crash, this can cause other unnecessary crashes.
EARLIER, 1.13am: POLICE have advised there is a considerable amount of water over the road at Risdon Rd, New Town, near the Caltex and funeral home.
Council are responding and will be putting up signs for motorists to drive with caution.
Police will continue to monitor this area.
FLOODED ROADS
NEW TOWN
- Risdon Rd, New Town
LINDISFARNE
- Tasman Hwy exit, Lindisfarne
BINALONG BAY
- Gardens Rd is closed at the last concrete bridge before the Gardens Boat Ramp
ST HELENS
- Ansons Bay Rd is closed
EARLIER, 12.30pm: FLOOD warnings are in place around Tasmania as the rain wreaks traffic chaos in Hobart.
Motorists have been asked to avoid Bridgewater after a two-car accident on Boyer Rd.
Injuries are still unknown.
A single-vehicle rollover was cleared from the Tasman Highway at Mornington, near Tunnel Hill.
Police had cleared the scene by 11.30am and there were no serious injuries.
EARLIER: EMERGENCY services are bracing for heavy rain, flooding and thunderstorms in parts of the state with a low pressure system in the Bass Strait tonight (Monday).
According to the Bureau of Meteorology, the worst affected areas will include Scottsdale, Whitemark, Bridport, St Helens, Bicheno and Fingal which may experience flash flooding Tuesday morning and afternoon.
The SES has asked residents on the East Coast and Northern Midlands to prepare their properties for possible heavy rainfall overnight and Tuesday.
HEAVY RAINFALL which may lead to FLASH FLOODING is possible during Tuesday morning and afternoon about northeastern Tasmania, including the Furneaux Islands. The rain band is expected to clear to the east of Tasmania on Tuesday evening. Latest warnings at https://t.co/NHL3HY0zFO pic.twitter.com/qXIQBzGse8
— Bureau of Meteorology, Tasmania (@BOM_Tas) December 21, 2020
“While we’re preparing to assist community members in need of assistance, we would ask people to be prepare themselves for the hazards associated with heavy rainfall, flash flooding and thunderstorms,” SES Acting Regional Manager Peter Rawlings said.
“Farmers on the Northern river systems should assess the location of stock and farming equipment currently in low lying areas.
“Some rivers, notably the South Esk River are forecast to flood to minor levels.”
The rain band is expected to clear to the east on Tuesday evening.
BOM has issued a Flood Watch for North, North East, East Coast and Furneaux Islands catchments.
âš ï¸Minor #Flood Warning for upper #SOUTHESK and #STPAULS rivers from Tuesday morning, based on forecast rainfall. Tuesday rainfall forecast 40-70 mm (isolated up to 90 mm possible). See https://t.co/ayOJTLyyyK for details and updates; follow advice from @SESTasmania. #TasFloods pic.twitter.com/iFGWe5rG6f
— Bureau of Meteorology, Tasmania (@BOM_Tas) December 21, 2020
SES ADVICE:
- Ensure drains and gutters are clear of debris and running freely
- Never drive, walk, swim or cycle through flood waters
- Never play near floodwaters, drains or culverts
- Beware of fallen trees and power lines
- Take care when driving
- Be prepared in case of power outages and report outages to TasNetworks on 132 004
- Keep up to date with the latest weather warnings at www.bom.gov.au/tas
- Check that family and neighbours are aware of any warnings
- Visit www.ses.tas.gov.au for further preparation advice
- For road closures: www.police.tas.gov.au
- Listen to ABC Local Radio for updates in an emergency
Catchments likely to be affected include:
- Furneaux Islands
- North Esk River
- South Esk River
- Macquarie River
- East Coastal Rivers (north of Bicheno)
- Ringarooma River
- North Coastal Rivers
- East Coastal Rivers (south of Bicheno)
Originally published as Traffic chaos as wind, rain batters state
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