“Gusty thunderstorms” are expected to smash Tasmania’s west coast and southwest tonight as a “fast-moving cold front” sweeps across the state.
The warning, issued by the BOM shortly after 6pm, is forecasting severe thunderstorms likely to produce damaging winds over the next several hours.
Strahan, Queenstown, Strathgordon, Zeehan and Rosebery may be affected.
8pm, Saturday 28: A severe thunderstorm warning for the west coast has been shifted east tonight.
The BOM say thunderstorms are no longer occurring across the north west coast, but expect severe weather to affect Strathgordon and Southport in the coming hours.
A wind gust of 120km/h was recorded at Scotts Peak at 7:43pm, with a 98km/h gust at Low Rocky Point measured at 6:46pm.
9:30pm, Saturday 28: “Weakening of instability ahead of the front has led to an easing of the thunderstorm activity”, according to the BOM.
They say the immediate threat of severe thunderstorms has passed.
A number of lightning strikes were recorded during the storm as it passed over the states west and south-west.
SES WHAT TO DO
- Move your car under cover or away from trees
- Secure loose outdoor items
- Seek shelter, preferably indoors and never under trees
- Avoid using the telephone during a thunderstorm
- Beware of fallen trees and powerlines
- For emergency assistance contact the SES on 132500
