Strong winds sweeping across southern Tasmania have damaged a sail cloth at a Hobart shopping centre, with the structure coming loose and landing on several vehicles.
Emergency services rushed to Glebe Hill Village in Howrah around midday after the large shade structure was torn off by powerful gusts.
Shoppers watched in shock as the sail cloth billowed above the car park before coming down on approximately eight vehicles.
A Tasmania Police spokesperson said no one was injured during the incident, though a number of vehicles received minor damage.
“Police, Tasmania Fire Service and State Emergency Service Tasmania are responding to an incident where a carpark roof sail cloth became loose in the windy conditions,” the spokesperson said.
“TFS and SES crews secured the sail cloth with ropes and police remain on the scene to ensure public safety.”
The incident occurred as severe winds sweep across southern Tasmania, with weather stations recording significant gusts throughout the region.
Hobart itself experienced wind gusts of up to 95 km/h at 11:36am, while kunanyi/Mount Wellington recorded gusts reaching 117 km/h around the same time.
At Hobart Airport saw wind gusts of 80 km/h recorded at 12:52pm, just after the Glebe Hill incident occurred.
The strong winds also affected other parts of the city, with footage showing roof flashing on the Wellington Clinics above the Argyle Street car park flapping in the wind.
Temperatures in Hobart reached 26.4°C around midday before the gusty conditions brought cooler air across the region.
Emergency services are advising residents to secure loose items around their properties as the windy conditions continue.
