Updated 9:30am, Wednesday 13 December: Heavy rain, thunderstorms and hail are expected to smash Tasmania this afternoon, with the State Emergency Service (SES) again warning people to “be prepared”.
SES Assistant Director Leon Smith expects the “significant weather system”, which is forecast for much of the state, to potentially bring flash flooding to some areas.
“The weather system, including possible severe thunderstorm activity, is expected to cross the state starting on the west coast as far south as Strahan this morning before extending to the north coast around Bridport,” Smith said.
“The system is then expected to move to the south of the state early this afternoon. With thunderstorm activity comes the potential for flash flooding in localised areas.”
“Tasmania SES is preparing for the weather and we encourage the community to do the same.”
The Bureau of Meteorology are forecasting a hot, mostly fine day until showers and thunderstorms develop from the west during the afternoon or evening, with north to northeasterly winds.
6:30pm, Tuesday 12 December: Severe thunderstorms, hail and heavy rain are all possible for Tasmania tomorrow as the middle of the week weather takes a turn from the current 30°C heatwave highs.
Tasmania’s State Emergency service are warning people to be prepared ahead of the impending storm, which is expected to hit much of the state from just after noon on Wednesday.
“In the south-east, thunderstorms and hail is predicted from about 2pm Wednesday, with up to 30mm of rain possible in some areas,” the SES say.
“In the north-west and north-east, thunderstorms and potentially heavy rain (up to 40mm) is likely to hit the north-west around 8pm Wednesday and reach the north-east about 11pm.”
The turn in weather comes off the back of heatwave warnings issued by the Bureau of Meteorology earlier in the week.
The SES advises people to closely supervise children, ensure that both family and neighbours are aware of the warnings and take care of pets and livestock.
Securing outdoor items, including furniture and play equipment, can also mitigate potential damage and being prepared for possible power outages is recommended.
