Tasmania State Emergency Service (SES) is calling on Tasmanians to brace for strong and damaging winds across the state on Monday.
Tasmania SES Acting Director, Leon Smith, said a severe weather warning issued by the Bureau of Meteorology showed the damaging north-westerly winds were expected across the entire state.
“We’re working closely with the Bureau to monitor and prepare for the forecast conditions, which includes wind gusts of 90 to 100 km/h,” he said.
“Severe thunderstorms are also possible in the southern half of Tasmania, which could increase the risk of destructive wind gusts, flash flooding and hazardous driving conditions.”
“With recent persistent rain, wet soil and damaging winds, there is significant potential for trees and powerlines to be brought down, right across Tasmania.”
“We will have SES volunteer crews prepared and ready to help if needed, but people should be making sure their properties are as prepared as possible, by ensuring those niggling maintenance jobs are done before the damaging winds occur.”
“Be proactive and secure any loose items such as outdoor furniture and play equipment.”
“Trampolines especially are often an issue in high wind events, so please tie them down.”
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.
- Park cars undercover away from trees.
- Beware of damaged trees and power lines and take care when driving.
- For SES assistance, visit ses.tas.gov.au or phone 132 500.
- In an emergency, phone Triple Zero (000).
People can get further information and keep up to date at:
- http://www.bom.gov.au/tas/warnings/ – for the latest weather forecast and warnings.
- https://www.alert.tas.gov.au/ – for current warnings and advice.
- https://www.ses.tas.gov.au/ – for advice on how to prepare and plan
- https://www.police.tas.gov.au/community-alerts/ – for road closures