Tasmania is facing widespread power outages this morning, with over 37,000 homes and businesses currently without electricity.
The outages are primarily affecting areas around Launceston, the Meander Valley and the north-west coast, where destructive winds have torn through overnight.
Tasmania State Emergency Service (SES) Executive Director Mick Lowe said they received 347 requests for help in the 12 hours to 5am on Monday.
57 call were from the south, 207 the north and 83 in the north-west.
“Over the next 24 hours, we are expecting weather conditions to ease across the state, however the risk of damage and flooding has not passed,” he said.
“Peak wind gusts overnight reached 157/kmh at King Island Airport and 130/kmh at Launceston Airport.”
“Widespread rainfall of 35-45mm was experienced over much of the west, increased rainfall of 30-40mm reported about high ground in the north-east and falls over the Derwent and Huon catchments less than anticipated, but in the range of 10-25mm.”
Over 20 warnings remain in place, including an Emergency Warning to Evacuate Now for the Derwent River area from Meadowbank to Macquarie Plains and Styx River from Bushy Park to Macquarie Plains.
“Properties in the region of the Derwent River, Meadowbank to Macquarie Plains and Styx River, Bushy Park to Macquarie Plains and surrounds face a significant risk of flooding and it is likely roads and properties will become inundated by floodwaters and become inaccessible,” Lowe said.
“Two evacuation centres remain open, one at the Derwent Valley Sport and Recreation Centre on Derwent Terrace in New Norfolk and another at the Memorial Hall in Circle Street.”
“While the Upper Derwent Valley remains the focus of an evolving emergency, other Watch and Act warnings are also in place for areas in the south, west, north-west and north.”
“This weather situation is prolonged and evolving and we are continuously monitoring it.”
“If you haven’t already left the area, consider going to stay with family or friends.”
“Make the decision as early as possible as parts of the Lyell Highway and Glenora and Boyer Roads may become flooded.”
