People along Tasmania’s south-east and east coasts are being warned of “abnormally high tides”, with seawater expected to rise well beyond usual levels and potentially flood low-lying areas from Southport to the Tasman Peninsula.
The Bureau of Meteorology has issued a coastal hazard warning, saying Tuesday afternoon and evening’s high tides are likely to sit “well above the normal high tide mark” thanks to a cold front sweeping across the state.
Floodwaters could reach as far inland as New Norfolk in the Derwent Valley and Huonville in the Huon Valley, with Hobart, Lauderdale, Dover and Dodges Ferry also at risk.
The threat is being driven by a cold front crossing Tasmania today, triggering a low-pressure system that’s expected to move through Bass Strait tonight and into Tuesday morning.
A south-westerly flow will develop from late Tuesday morning as the system moves east, continuing through Wednesday and Thursday.
Thunderstorms are on the cards for the west and north coasts today, with fresh north to north-easterly winds forecast to ease and swing around to the north-west this afternoon.
Showers are expected across the state on Tuesday, before easing back to the west, central and southern districts later in the morning.
