Spring’s sizzle fizzles in soaking start to summer

UPDATE: Wild storms have struck interstate and the huge weather system is coming Tasmania’s way.

WILD storms have struck interstate, lashing Australia’s southeast, causing thousands to lose power as authorities warn lives could be lost.

South Australia has already been drenched in intense rainfall while Victoria is bracing for a “10 out of 10” storm. Overnight, the Bureau of Meteorology has upped the likely amount of rain that will fall in the city over then next five days from 150mm to 200mm.

Parts of NSW, which is on flood alert, could get “more than a month’s rain in 36 hours” and flood warnings are also in place for Tasmania.

The Bureau of Meteorology has issues a flood watch warning for parts of the state.

Widespread rainfall totals of 30 to 50 mm are forecast in the Huon and across the North East on Friday, with potentially higher totals in elevated and localised areas. More rain is forecast over the weekend. Three day totals may exceed 100 mm in some areas, the warnings say.

“River rises are expected in response to the forecast rainfall. Minor flooding may develop in some catchments from Friday night onwards. Further catchment specific warnings will be issued if and when required.

“Strong and dangerous flows are possible in small creeks and low lying areas in locations that receive heavy rainfall.

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MORE: WILD STORMS HIT INTERSTATE

MORE: VICTORIA PREPARES FOR DELUGE

EARLIER: Today is officially the start of summer but in name only as Hobart prepares for a string of cold, wet days more akin to the beginning of winter.

A wet end to the week is expected, with statewide rainfall forecast across the weekend, with possible heavy falls and isolated thunderstorms.

The miserable conditions are in stark contrast to a scorching end to spring, with Hobart reaching a top of 33C on Thursday.

Four Day Forecast Friday: Rain, possible storm, 23C Saturday: Rain, 14C Sunday: Rain, 14C Monday: Showers, 16C

Storms passed through later in the day, with a wind gust of 76km/h recorded in Hobart.

The slow start to summer won’t deter Tasmania’s surf lifesavers, who will be out in force from Saturday.

Clifton Beach lifesavers including Zia Mitchelmore, 16, of Lauderdale, (centre) and Simon Kay, 55, of Clifton Beach, (right) with their new Can-Am Commander. Picture: SAM ROSEWARNE

Surf Life Saving Tasmania operation manager Boyd Griggs said more than 900 volunteers would patrol the state’s beaches every weekend from Saturday until Easter.

Mr Griggs said beachgoers needed to be respectful of the weather and should never swim alone.

“I think the really big thing for us has been the campaign this year around rips and recognising what a rip is ... don’t swim in a rip area,” Mr Griggs said.

Surf Life Saving Tasmania volunteers notched up 22,000 volunteer patrol hours last year and carried out 84 first aid treatments.

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