Flood Update 1000hrs
Exceptionally heavy rain has fallen across North-West and Northern Tasmania over the past 24 hours, with flood peaks at some locations may reach levels experienced in June 2016.
SES Acting Director Leon Smith said that an Emergency – Prepare to Evacuate warning is in place for Redwater Creek.
Evacuation Centres have been set up at:
• Railton – Railton ‘Green Shed’, 52 Crockers Street, Railton
• Latrobe Memorial Hall – 170 Gilbert Street, Latrobe
“Approximately 90 residences may be affected by floodwaters in Railton and surrounds in the coming hours,” Mr Smith said.
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 impact the north and north west of the state until Friday morning.
Mr Smith said that SES crews are working to assist residents with affected communities, particularly in Railton and surrounds.
“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 which forecasts heavy rainfall which may lead to flash flooding for northern 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 so 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:
• Mersey River
• Western Creek
• Dampers Creek
• Mole Creek
• Lobster Rivulet
• Leven River
• North Esk River
• Forth River
• Meander River
• North Esk River.
Areas that may see inundated properties and blocked access routes include:
• Latrobe
• Railton
• Forth
• Deloraine
• Kimberley
• Mole Creek
• Chudleigh
• Forth below Wilmot
• Mersey from Liena to Latrobe
• North Esk from Corra Linn to Tamar, and
• Ouse
“I 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.”
The State Emergency Service received three Requests for Assistance, however these issues were minor and only required advice (eg, water leaking through a light fixture), and people are encouraged to be aware of the preparation resources available on the SES website.
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.
· https://www.alert.tas.gov.au/ – 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:
· Call SES on 132 500 for flood and storm-related emergency assistance.
· Dial Triple Zero (000) in a life-threatening emergency.