– Liena to Latrobe and surrounds.

–  Meander to Carrick and surrounds 

The Bureau of Meteorology has issued a major flood warning for the Mersey and Meander Rivers.

Locations likely to be impacted are:

Kimberly, Elizabeth Town, Merseylea, Sunnyside, Railton, Latrobe, Sassafras, Latrobe, Tarleton, and surrounds.

Meander, Montana, Red Hills, Deloraine, Reedy Marsh, Exton, Westbury, Selbourne, Quamby Bend, Hagley, Westwood, Carrick and surrounds.

SES advises that if you live in these areas, evacuate now if it is safe to do so.

For these areas, the evacuation centres are:

Latrobe Memorial Hall, 170 Gilbert Street,

Greenshed 52 Crockers Street, Railton

Deloraine Community Centre – 2-8 Alverston Dr, Deloraine

Driving conditions may be dangerous. Some roads and bridges may be impacted. Drive to the conditions and do not drive through flood waters.

Flood waters are a risk to safety, never walk, play, ride, or drive in floodwater.

If you live in the alert area and/or near the Mersey river, SES advises that if you have a flood emergency plan, use it now. If it is safe to do so, leave now and go to the home of a family member or friend who are in a safe location or an evacuation centre.

Let your family or friends know when you are leaving and when you expect to arrive.

·       Take pets with you.

·       Take your emergency kit (medicine, prescriptions, important documents)

·       Turn off electricity at the switchboard before leaving your property.

 If it is not safe to leave, call SES on 132 500 for advice and assistance.

For flood updates, visit TasALERT.com or listen to ABC Local Radio.

Emergency – Prepare to Evacuate warnings remain in place for Redwater Creek covering Railton and surrounds as well as Mersey River covering Liena to Latrobe township.

Evacuation Centres have been opened at:

•         Railton Green Hall – 52 Crocker Street, Railton

•         Latrobe Memorial Hall – 170 Gilbert Street, Latrobe

•         Ulverstone Recreation Centre – 2 Flora St, Ulverstone

•         Deloraine Community Centre – 2-8 Alverston Dr, Deloraine

“The Tasmania Emergency Information Service has also been established to provide flood-affected communities with general information throughout this weather event. People can call 6145 5303 for the cost of a local call.

For flood and storm assistance call 132 500 and for life threatening emergencies call Triple Zero.

Emergency services are well prepared, with a State Operations Centre and two Regional Operations Centres stood up to monitor, prepare and respond to the weather event.

The Bureau of Meteorology (BoM) has advised that this a significant rain event that will continue to impact the north and north-west of the state until early Friday morning with ongoing flooding into next week.

Flood Watch and Act – Prepare Now warnings are also in place for the following rivers and creeks:

·        Penguin Creek

·        Emu River

·        Cam River

·        Liffey River

·        Macquarie River

·        Lake River

·        Forth River

·        Western Creek, Dampers Creek, Mole Creek and Lobster Rivulet

·        Leven River

·        North Esk River.

Advice to community:

SES urge people to seek further information and keep up-to-date with information from:

·            http://www.bom.gov.au/tas/warnings/ – for the latest weather forecast and warnings.

·            www.tasalert.com – for current flood warnings and advice.

·            https://www.ses.tas.gov.au/ – for advice on how to prepare, and make flood and evacuation plans.

·            https://www.police.tas.gov.au/community-alerts/ – for road closures

In the event of heavy rainfall and flooding:

·       Check that family and neighbours, especially those who are vulnerable, are aware and have a plan in place.

·       Supervise children closely.

·       Minimise unnecessary travel.

·       Never enter or drive through floodwaters, and when driving look out for debris on roads including fallen trees and power lines.

·       Manage pets and livestock.

·       Be prepared for flash-flooding.

·       Be prepared for power outages.

·       Listen to the ABC radio.

For assistance:

·        Tasmania Emergency Information Service for flood-affected communities with general information throughout this weather event on 6145 5303 for the cost of a local call.

·        Call SES on 132 500 for flood and storm-related emergency assistance.

·        Dial Triple Zero (000) in a life-threatening emergency.

Date: 13 October 2022 Contact: Media and Communications Phone: 61732424