Late-night warning for severe thunderstorms across Tasmania's West Coast, Central Highlands

Tasmanians in the West Coast and Central Highlands regions are being warned to brace for severe thunderstorms overnight.

The Bureau of Meteorology (BOM) has issued a late-night warning for Sheffield, Strahan, Queenstown, Zeehan, Bothwell, Tarraleah and the Derwent Valley.

Forecasters expect the storm to produce damaging winds and heavy rainfall that may lead to flash flooding in the coming hours.

A 96km/h wind gust was recorded at Burnie just before 8:30pm on Friday night, while 37mm of rainfall was recorded at Lake Plimsoll in the two hours to 7:45pm.

“A strong cold front to the west of Tasmania is directing a fresh northwesterly air stream over the state. Unstable conditions have led to the development of showers and thunderstorms, some are severe,” the Bureau said.

“Severe thunderstorms are likely to produce damaging winds and heavy rainfall that may lead to flash flooding in the warning area over the next several hours.”

The wild weather comes ahead of forecast snow, which is expected to fall as low as 400 metres in some parts of the state across the coming days.

The State Emergency Service advises people to move cars under cover or away from trees, to secure loose outdoor items and to avoid driving, walking or riding through flood waters.