Exceptionally heavy rain has fallen across north-west, northern and central Tasmania over the past 24-36 hours, with flood peaks at some locations possibly reaching levels experienced in June 2016.

SES Acting Director Leon Smith said that Emergency – Prepare to Evacuate warnings are 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.

The State Emergency Service has so far attended 27 statewide incidents (1 in the south, 12 in the north and 14 in the north west) with 120 calls received by the SES number 132 500. People are encouraged to be aware of the preparation resources available on the SES website.

Mr Smith said that SES crews are working to assist residents with affected communities.

“SES is being supported by TFS and is working closely with other agencies including the Bureau of Meteorology, Tasmania Police and Municipal Councils.

The Bureau has a current Severe Weather Warning in place which forecasts heavy rainfall which may lead to flash flooding for north and north west Tasmania today. Locally intense rainfall which may lead to dangerous and life-threatening flash flooding is also likely over inland parts of northwest Tasmania during this period particularly about the Western Tiers.

“It’s important that people listen to the warnings and take action to keep themselves safe.”

“Remember that Tasmania Police has advised that if you are in the affected area, you should reconsider non-essential travel. This is important to minimise traffic on the roads and for the safety of motorists.”

Trees are likely to come down as a result of the forecast for damaging winds, adding to the treacherous conditions.

“Everyone needs to be aware of the forecast and the current weather conditions and make final preparations to their property if it is safe to do so.  It’s possible that properties in some areas of north and north western Tasmania may become isolated during the weather event.”

“You need to review your household emergency kit and flood emergency plan, including evacuation triggers, and move livestock to higher ground.

“If predicted rainfall patterns reach forecast levels, townships across northern Tasmania will be impacted such as Railton, Latrobe, Wivenhoe, Burnie, and Sheffield will be impacted,” said Acting Director Smith.

“This is a dynamic situation of significance that we are monitoring, but inevitably we will see flooding in some areas within the forecast areas over the coming days.”

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

  • Lake River
  • Forth River
  • Meander River
  • Mersey River
  • Western Creek, Dampers Creek, Mole Creek and Lobster Rivulet
  • Leven River
  • North Esk River. 

Areas that may see inundated properties and blocked access routes include:

  • Railton
  • Latrobe
  • Mersey River – Liena to Latrobe
  • Lake River communities
  • Kindred, Paloona, Forth, Forthside, Turners Beach, Leith and surrounds
  • Meander, Montana, Red Hills, Deloraine, Reedy March, Exton, Westbury, Selbourne, Quamby Bend, Hagley, Westwood, Carrick, Hadspen and surrounds
  • Dairy Plains, Montana, Caveside, Chudleigh, Mole Creek, Long Ridge, Needles and surrounds
  • Gunns Plains
  • Blessington, White Hills and surrounds
  • Corra Linn, Relbia, St Leonards, Norwood, Ravenswood and Mowbray

“We encourage the community to keep up-to-date with the weather and flood warnings from the official emergency sources – including warnings on the TasALERT and Bureau of Meteorology sites.

“Utilise resources on the SES website and plan to make decisions safely. This is forecast to be an event of significance and emergency services are prepared to assist the community.

“If you have any concerns about the current situation, make a decision to leave early.” 

Advice to community:

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

 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.