Tasmania weather: Bom issues severe weather alert for heavy rain, SES prepared to respond

Heavy rain and thunderstorms are sweeping over parts of Tasmania, with the Bureau of Meteorology issuing a severe weather alert. Is it enough rain >>

Cray fisher Riley Jemison prepares to head out onboard the William Norling at Hobart. Picture: Chris Kidd

The drenching of rain across the state has been a welcome reprieve after a dry 10 months – but it hasn’t been enough to fill up water tanks.

It comes as a low pressure system swept over Tasmania late on Monday into Tuesday bringing much needed rain.

Southair Water Cartage owner Alex Woolley said the demand for clients needing a bulk supply of drinking water is increasing.

“I was hoping for a little bit of a rest but it doesn’t seem to be the case,” he said.

“We’ve worked all over Easter, just trying to get on top of everything. We’re still in full swing at this point in time.

“Because of how dry it’s been for so long, it’s catching quite a few people out. They might not normally order water this time of year and give it a second thought and next minute they’re out.”

Just after midday on Tuesday, Hobart recorded 9.8mm of rain, 8mm at Sorell and 18mm at kunanyi/Mt Wellington over a 24 hour period.

Cray fisher Riley Jemison prepares to head out onboard the William Norling at Hobart battling raining and stormy conditions. Picture: Chris Kidd

“That’s a fairly good soaking as long as we don’t have the hot weather on the back of that. It might do a little bit but in terms of filling people’s tanks, you probably need double if not triple that to really make an impact,” Mr Woolley said.

“The rain would be good for everyone, us included, to give us a bit of a break.

“But, I looked at the Elders Weather long range forecast and the first substantial rain will probably come in August so I’m not holding my breath.”

It was a wild morning for cray fisherman Riley Jemison, who was braving the wet elements this morning.

“Its not the best, its been better but I’m not complaining,” he said. “I just put a coat on.”

Bureau of Meteorology senior meteorologist Michael Conway said there will be more settled weather from Wednesday onwards.

“Later Tuesday into the afternoon we’ll get south-westerly winds over most of the state, particularly a little stronger around the South East and into the North,” he said.

“But after that, on Wednesday, another high pressure ridge comes over so more settled weather for most of the state until the end of the week.”

Initial: A deluge is on the way for parts of Tasmania, with the Bureau of Meteorology issuing a severe weather warning for heavy rain.

A low pressure system developing in the north-west is set to sweep over Northern Tasmania on late Monday and into Tuesday, bringing much needed rain.

The BOM has issued a heavy rain warning for areas in the Central North, West, North-West Coast and Midland Districts.

“There’s a low pressure system that’s moving over the state deepening as it goes and it’s going to bring humid air over the state and some pretty heavy rainfall around the North, especially the North West and Central North,” senior Meteorologist Michael Conway said.

“Generally, Tasmania wide, almost everywhere's going to get some rain – some moderate falls at least.

Tasmania is having a much need drenching of rain. Picture: Bureau of Meteorology

“The severe weather warning is for rain that’s going to be falling over the six hour time period and we could expect to see some falls of 30 to 50mm over six hours as the trough and low move over.

“There’s also possible thunderstorms involved with that as well. There could be isolated falls up to 60mm in places around the North West and Central North in those areas.”

The heavy rainfall warning could also lead to flash flooding in certain areas.

Hobart could get 15 to 25mm of rain overnight, increasing from approximately 20mm in the last 10 months

“We may get more than that Tuesday morning in just a few hours. That’s a bit of a change in what we’ve had the last few months,” Mr Conway said.

Tasmanians are being urged to drive to the conditions as they travel home after the Easter Break.

“A combination of wet and slippery roads, along with increased traffic on the roads can make for challenging driving conditions. Plan your trip, consider conditions and take your time,” a TasAlert said.

“Please plan ahead with the weather in mind if you need to pack up your campsite or travel long distances.”

Tasmania SES are also prepared to respond, but are reminding the community to avoid driving, walking or riding through flood waters.