Tasmanians are dealing with flooded roads and cut-off communities this evening, as “abnormally high tides” driven by a powerful weather system swamp low-lying coastal areas across the state.
Water has already submerged South Arm Road at Lauderdale, with police warning residents south of the BP service station they may be cut off until floodwaters ease.
A jetty has gone under on Hobart’s eastern shore, while waterfront car parks in Sandy Bay and Margate are also underwater. The Esplanade at Huonville is also closed due to flooding.
The Bureau of Meteorology has issued coastal hazard warnings from Southport to the Tasman Peninsula, with tides climbing “well above the normal high tide mark” during the evening peak.
A cold front sweeping across the state tonight, followed closely by a deep low-pressure system tracking south, is combining to create the ideal conditions for dangerously high sea levels.
Strong to gale-force north-westerly winds are expected to swing south-westerly on Wednesday morning, keeping conditions hazardous well into tomorrow night.
The Derwent and Tamar rivers are bearing the brunt of the weather system’s impact.
In Launceston, Tasmania SES has issued flood advice for West Tamar Road, Kings Wharf, Home Point and nearby low-lying areas, urging residents to keep an eye on changing conditions.
Tides are expected to rise above normal high tide levels again tomorrow night, affecting coastal spots between Southport and the Tasman Peninsula, including along the Derwent River.
The deep low responsible is expected to shift east into the Tasman Sea on Wednesday, with conditions likely to ease by Thursday, according to the BOM.
