Tasmania braces for wild weather with 100km/h gusting winds and possible snowfall on the way

The weather bureau expects a “vigorous cold front” will cross Tasmania Monday morning, bringing an abrupt end to the mild, humid autumn days.

Lizzie Criddle, 5, and Gidget Kowalski, 7, prepare for a wintry blast. Picture: JENNY EVANS

BUCKLE up Tasmania, we could be in for a wild, windy day tomorrow.

The weather bureau said Tasmania will face its windiest day since early November, with gusts of 90km/h to 100km/h possible across the state.

The bureau expects a “vigorous cold front” will cross Tasmania Monday morning, bringing an abrupt end to the mild, humid autumn days.

A strong westerly airstream and rain will hit the state as a deep, low pressure centre passes to the south of Tasmania.

A bit of rainfall coming over the next few days for #Tasmania. However, Monday will be the most significant with 20 to 40 mm possible in the west and north, and very windy conditions for all of the state (gusts up to 100 km/h possible). https://t.co/5KDsVA4ysQ pic.twitter.com/lWOmsQ4C4Q

— Bureau of Meteorology, Tasmania (@BOM_Tas) March 22, 2019

The last time the state had damaging wind gusts greater than 100km/h was November 2.

“Burnt trees around recent fire grounds are particularly vulnerable in windy conditions,” the bureau said. “A severe weather warning for damaging winds about parts of Tasmania may be issued for the event. The warning, if necessary, will be issued on Sunday.

“Generally 20mm to 40mm of rainfall is forecast around northern and western Tasmania, with elevated terrain likely to see higher totals … thunderstorms are also possible and may bring isolated higher totals.”

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Forecaster Matthew Thomas said the Great Pine Tier, Gell River and Riveaux Rd bushfire zones were all likely to receive rain. He said there could also be snowfall on the Central Plateau and on high peaks in the West and South.

Great Lake Hotel owner Kaylee Hattinger, who spent the summer providing a home away from home for firefighters, said a significant soaking was much needed at Miena.

“We always love snow, it’s our favourite thing, but we’d prefer the rain at the moment,” she said. “Given we missed a lot of summer this year because of the bushfires, it’s been nice to take in our dose of vitamin D before winter arrives, but it’s very dry.”

Weather outlook, Pages 72-73 of today’s SUNDAY TASMANIAN