Tasmanian weather update: Severe weather not over yet
Snow seekers will be thrilled with the forecast across Tasmania’s alpine regions into the weekend. Check out the conditions on Mt Wellington >>
Tasmania
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A cold snap has left plenty of delight for snow seekers.
Hobart City Council workers were tasked with the challenge of clearing the snow covered, icy roads up Mt Wellington on Thursday morning — and there’s predictions the winter wonderland is here to stay for the coming days.
Snow fell above 800m on the Hobart mountain, with daytime temperatures reaching between 9 and 14 degrees.
On Friday, snow is predicted to continue falling above 1000m, however a high chance of rain could threaten it from settling.
However another drop in temperatures on Friday night into Saturday should see snowfall as far as above 400m, with more expected into Sunday.
Those conditions will be replicated across most of the state’s major alpine areas, with Ben Lomond continuing to enjoy strong snow coverage.
While in the Central Highlands, the Great Lake Hotel had the fire roaring, surrounded by a winter wonderland.
Weather alerts remain in place across Tasmania, including marine wind, flood and sheep graziers warnings.
Authorities warn to stay alert with wild weather set to return
Volunteer rescue crews remain ready to push on despite having a busy 48 hours with severe weather forecast to continue into next week.
Overnight damaging winds struck around 100km/h across the state along with continuing rainfall.
Acting SES assistant director Cheryl Amers said emergency service crews had responded to 58 requests for assistance to storm related incidents across the state since the wild weather struck two days ago.
Of those incidents, 29 were in the South, 18 in the North and 11 in the North-West.
She said severe weather was predicted to continue throughout the week.
“Our dedicated volunteer crews remain ready and available to support the community if and where further requests for assistance are required, however, we’re urging all Tasmanians to continue to monitor the conditions and prepare appropriately,” Ms Amers said.
“While the weather may currently seem calm in your area, it’s very important to remain alert, well informed about current and forecast conditions, and be safe.”
The Bureau of Meteorology has issued a severe weather warning for damaging winds statewide, redeveloping in the west late this evening and continuing over the weekend and into next week.
A flood advice alert remains in place to monitor conditions for Styx River at Bruces Bridge.
“Tasmania SES will continue to monitor the rain levels, with the possibility of widespread minor flooding due to catchments across Tasmania being relatively wet due to recent rainfall,” she said.
“If you’re driving in an area affected by severe weather – remember the advice from Tasmania Police is to always slow down, be alert for hazards and debris on the roads, put your headlights on, and never walk, ride or drive through flood water on the roads.”
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