Tasmania breaking news: Severe thunderstorms and flash flooding predicted for Hobart suburbs

Batten down the hatches, TasALERT has issued a severe thunderstorm and flash flooding warning for Hobart suburbs on Sunday afternoon. The latest.

Flash flooding generic. Picture: Facebook

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Severe thunderstorm and flash flooding warning for Tasmania’s south

January 12, 12.20pm: A severe thunderstorm and heavy rainfall warning has been issued by the state’s emergency services, bringing to an end the weekend’s low-intensity heatwave.

On Sunday, the Tasmanian government emergency information source TasALERT stated that a severe thunderstorm moving south over Hobart suburbs was likely to “produce heavy rainfall that may lead to flash flooding”.

The storm was detected near Glenorchy and Old Beach and is forecasted to affect Hobart and Lindisfarne by 12.30pm and Kingston and Taroona by 1pm.

Other areas impacted by the Severe Thunderstorm Warning for heavy rain are the Upper Derwent Valley, East Coast, Midlands and parts of South East, North East, Central Plateau and Western Forecast Districts.

SES Tasmania Acting Assistant Director Cheryl Ames said the East Coast, Launceston and Hobart areas would have the most widespread thunderstorm activity.

“We are advising everyone to be prepared and stay informed as conditions change,” she said.

“Over the past couple of days, heavy rainfall has been observed with the Upper Esk River receiving 40 to 50mm, Fingal 35 to 45mm and Monameta (Mathinna Road) receiving 34.6mm within one hour.

“The weather system is expected to bring heavy rain and potential hail, easing late tonight.

“If you have to drive during heavy rain, please remember advice from Tasmania Police to be safe on the roads, slow down, put your headlights on, and never drive through flood waters.”

The State Emergency Service advised that people should:

* Avoid driving, walking or riding through flood waters.

* Seek shelter, preferably indoors and never under trees.

* Avoid using the telephone during a thunderstorm.

* Beware of fallen trees and powerlines.

* For emergency assistance contact the SES on 132500.

For more information, head to the BOM’s website.

Man allegedly assaults helpers after crashing car

January 10: Residents nearby an early hours car crash were allegedly assaulted while coming to the aid of the driver.

A single vehicle crash on the Huon Highway at Glendevie, located about 30km southwest of Huonville, was first reported to emergency services about 12.30am on Thursday morning.

Police said the driver of the Hyundai Excel allegedly became aggressive towards nearby residents who came to his aid.

It’s believed the 33-year-old from Dover followed the residents into their home, made threats and armed himself with items found inside the home.

Officer said they arrived at the scene a short time later to arrest the man.

He faces multiple charges including disqualified driving, drink driving, aggravated burglary and criminal assault.

Anyone who say a blue Hyundai Excel on the Huon Highway between Dover and Glendevie around that time is urged to contact police.

Originally published as Tasmania breaking news: Severe thunderstorms and flash flooding predicted for Hobart suburbs