Severe weather is continuing to affect southeast and eastern Tasmania, with intense rainfall, damaging winds and thunderstorms being experienced.
A severe weather warning remains in place for heavy rainfall and damaging winds in southeast Tasmania including the Huon Valley, greater Hobart, and parts of the East Coast (including a Thunderstorm warning), with the most dangerous weather expected to occur this morning, easing over the afternoon.
SES Acting Director Leon Smith said emergency services had received approximately 30 calls for assistance overnight, including 15 due to water inundation.
“There continues to be a particular risk of moderate flooding in the Huon River, however other areas should not be complacent,” Mr Smith said.
“SES crews and local police have been outdoor knocking residents, businesses, and caravan parks in the Huon area overnight to ensure they are prepared in the event of major flooding of the Huon River.
“All residents in the Huon Valley and other flood prone areas are urged to remain vigilant and keep up to date by checking the BOM and SES websites.
“With thunderstorm activity currently being experienced in the greater Hobart area we may also expect flash flooding, so people are advised to remain alert.”
Some roads are affected by water including:
• Risdon Road, Hobart is closed between the Ampol Service Station and the Brooker Highway
• Glen Huon Road in Huonville
• Tasman Highway at Cambridge and Rose Bay
• Adventure Bay Road, Bruny Island
• Tasman Highway, between Orford and Runnymede
Motorists are advised to stay up to date at https://www.police.tas.gov.au/community-alerts/
The weather event is persisting, and further wind and heavy rain is expected until this afternoon, and people are urged to be prepared and avoid unnecessary travel.
“In such adverse conditions, if you don’t need to leave your home, don’t do it,” Mr Smith said.
SES and emergency services continue to have crews responding, on standby as well as a Regional and State Operations Centre stood up.
The State Emergency Service advises that people should:
⚡ Avoid driving, walking or riding through flood waters.
⚡ Seek shelter, preferably indoors and never under trees.
⚡ Avoid using the telephone during a thunderstorm.
⚡ Beware of fallen trees and powerlines.
⚡ For emergency assistance contact the SES on 132500.
For flood and storm-related emergency assistance, phone SES on 132 500.
Dial Triple Zero (000) in a life-threatening emergency.