SES records 18 calls for help despite extreme weather in Tasmania overnight

In one of the most visually stunning storms in years, the skies above the Apple Isle saw about 43,000 lightning strikes as extreme storm conditions hit parts of the state – leaving thousands without power. Latest.

Hobart Tasmania Weather Update on Sunday 22nd October 2023. Assistant Director of Operations with SES, Leon Smith talks to media about the weather event on Saturday evening. Picture: Linda Higginson

Tasmania experienced around 43,000 lightning strikes in 24 hours as extreme storm conditions moved across southern parts of the state on Saturday night.

A low pressure system caused 16,000 homes to lose power overnight but the SES only received about 20 calls for assistance, as heavy rainfall and extreme winds affected eastern parts of the state.

SES Assistant Director of Operations Leon Smith said the low numbers of calls for help are due to well-needed preparation from the public.

“The preparation that people have undertaken on their properties has assisted in the lack of requests for assistance for the State Emergency Service,” Mr Smith said.

In one of the most visually stunning storms in years, the skies above the Apple Isle saw about 43,000 lightning strikes as extreme storm conditions hit parts of the state – leaving thousands without power. Latest. @Tessmccracken_pic.twitter.com/5IFRbiGqCB

— Mercury (@themercurycomau) October 22, 2023

“We have certainly seen that as a trend over the last few year where during extreme weather events … we are having reduced requests for assistance due to the proactive approach.”

Southern Tasmania experienced 30 to 40ml of heavy rainfall and around 15 to 30ml in the rest of the state overnight.

Hobart CBD experienced up to 20ml of rainfall within an hour which resulted in flash flooding and storm water systems to become overwhelmed.

Mr Smith said the significant rainfall did cause a flash flooding situation and said even well maintained storm water systems or roof gutter systems will get overwhelmed with heavy rainfall.

“We did see flash flooding, we did see the storm water systems overrun. But I must say we did see people making good decisions in regards to those conditions,” Mr Smith said.

A small section of Risdon road was closed just before midnight due to flooding but was reopened within two hours.