Tasmanian weather: Damaging winds issued for parts across state

SES has already responded to multiple calls for help including reports of trees and powerlines coming down, while Tasmania Fire Service is on high alert. The latest warnings.

The Bureau of Meteorology has issued a severe weather warning for damaging winds expected to lash parts of the state. Picture: Bureau of Meteorology

Wild weather has already battered parts of Tasmania, calling into action SES crews.

A severe weather warning is in place for damaging winds in the South East, Central Plateau and parts of Western, Upper Derwent Valley, North West Coast, Central North and Midlands forecast districts.

Winds are expected to ease later today.

SES executive director Mick Lowe called on the community to be safe during the period of damaging winds.

Wild weather in Hobart. Wind lashes the Montrose Bay foreshore. Picture: Kelvin Ball

“Last night we responded to several reports of trees and powerlines down, and with damaging winds forecast to continue today there is potential for further damage,” Mr Lowe said.

“We have SES volunteer crews prepared and ready to respond to incidents if needed and I encourage everyone to be aware of the weather forecast in their area and to take steps to keep safe.”

Meanwhile, a high fire danger rating forecast in some areas of the state has sparked the Tasmania Fire Service to remind people that fire permits were still required across the state and to stay alert for bushfires.

“People need to remain vigilant, as fuel loads across the state are now fully cured,” he said.

“The Bushfire season is far from over.

“I’m confident in our ability to respond to bushfires this season as we have 15 aircraft as part of our aerial firefighting capability that are ready to act should a bushfire start.

“It’s important for people to know that having these aircraft on hand doesn’t mean we as a community can sit back and relax.

“Your home is more likely to survive a bushfire if you have prepared it properly.”

Anyone wishing to conduct a burn should apply for a permit by contacting their local brigade or by calling 1800 000 699.

The State Emergency Service advises that people should:

• Supervise children closely.
• Check that family and neighbours are aware of warnings.
• Manage pets and livestock.
• Secure outdoor items including furniture and play equipment.
• Be prepared in case of power outages and report any outages to TasNetworks on 132 004.
• Beware of damaged trees and power lines and take care when driving.
• Check www.ses.tas.gov.au for further advice.
• For emergency assistance contact the SES on 132 500.

Severe weather warning issued for Tasmania

A severe weather warning has been issued for Tasmania, as damaging winds are expected to lash parts of the state.

The Bureau of Meteorology have issued a damaging wind warning for the South East, Central Plateau and parts of Western, Upper Derwent Valley, North West Coast, Central North and Midlands Forecast Districts.

“What’s happening is a 24 to 36 hour period of vigorous westerly winds over Tasmania. There’s a little cold front crossing us this morning that maintaining the winds,”

senior Meteorologist Luke Johnston said.

“We’re likely to see gusts of 80 to 90km/h in most areas of Tassie. But there’s a few spots, particularly over the far South, and elevated mountainous areas where we could get gusts in excess of 100km/h on Thursday.

“Good news is that it’s a fairly standard direction to have strong winds in Tasmania, so impacts should be on the lower side.”

Mr Johnston said the key winds will most likely be between 3pm Thursday and 3pm Friday before it tapers off in the afternoon.

“It’s the kind of wind where there’s bound to be a trampoline or two that gets pushed over. Someone might lose their washing. Hopefully, it’s nothing more serious than that,” he said.

Mr Johnston also said the fire dangers are quite high, despite not having high temperatures.

“Fire dangers are quite elevated on Thursday and Friday as well driven mostly by the wind,” he said.

“But also it’s dry, so not much in the way of rainfall, so things like your fine fuels, new grass, that adds to the fire weather condition.

“Another reason why the fire dangers are up is because any showers are just sort of stuck on the West Coast.”

Hobart will be sheltered from the worst of the wind, with the Huon Valley, Bruny Island and parts of the Tasman Peninsula expected to get stronger gusts.