THURSDAY 8AM: The SES say a reduced threat has been issued for the Huon Valley.
“SES advises people in these areas that river levels are now falling and are expected to continue falling and that the threat of further flooding has now passed.”
“Although the threat of further flooding has eased, dangerous conditions and the impacts of flooding for people in the Huon Valley may remain.”
”There are still some roads that are flooded and debris washed or blown across roads.”
WEDNESDAY 11:30PM: An emergency warning has been issued for parts of Huonville tonight, with residents in the affected areas advised to prepare for evacuation.
The nearby river level is expected to peak at around 3am, with inundation likely to impact a small number of properties, the SES say.
The areas under the emergency warning include The Esplanade, Short Street, Main Street (between the Huon River Bridge and Wilmot Rd roundabout) and the river side of Wilmot Rd (from number 3 to number 21).
Mick Lowe, Executive Director of Tasmania SES, said the flood level expected will be similar to that of the 2016 floods which impacted around 15 homes.
“This is what we are expecting to occur with this flood event,” he said.
“There is no risk to other parts of Huonville that has been identified at this stage, but we do urge people in the greater Huonville area to be aware of the situation in case it changes.”
WEDNESDAY 10:20PM: Residents on The Esplanade, Short Street, Main Street between the Huon River bridge and Wilmot Rd roundabout and River side of Wilmot Rd from number 3 to number 21 should prepare to evacuate, the SES say.
A major flood is likely to impact the above areas in the next 3-5 hours.
“Flood waters are expected to enter properties causing significant and widespread flooding,” the SES say.
“Flood waters are a threat to safety… Driving conditions may be dangerous and roads are likely to be impacted.”
If you live in the alert area and/or near the Huon River, SES advises:
- If you have a flood plan, use it now.
- Consider leaving now for a safer place if it is safe to do so. This may include going to the home of family or friends.
- If you do choose to leave now, let your family or friends know when you are leaving and when you expect to arrive. Take pets with you.
- If you choose not to leave now, be ready to evacuate if this is advised by emergency services.
- Have your emergency kit available with medications, prescriptions, torches, batteries, valuables and important papers.
WEDNESDAY 8:30PM: Floods “similar to 2016”, which submerged homes and businesses in Huonville, are forecast for the Huon Valley overnight, with a major flood warning now upgraded by the BOM.
A ‘prepare to evacuate’ notice has been issued by Tasmania SES for all residents along the Huon river from Judbury to Huonville and surrounds as major flooding hits the region.
If you live in the alert area or near the Huon River, SES advises that you put your flood emergency plan into action now.
WEDNESDAY 6:10PM: Tasmania’s SES has issued a ‘major flood warning’ for areas south of Hobart tonight, urging residents near sections of the Huon River to “prepare now”.
The river is likely to experience significant flooding in the coming hours, according to the BOM.
The flood warning alert area includes regions from Southwest to Geeveston and surrounds, as well as Picton to Judbury and surrounds.
Residents in these areas are advised to take necessary precautions to safeguard themselves and their properties.
“Flooding is likely in streams and rivers… Lives could be at risk from flood waters,” the SES say.
If conditions worsen, and it is safe to do so, residents are encouraged to seek shelter with family or friends in a safe location away from the flood-affected area.
What to do:
If you live in the alert area and/or near the Huon river, SES advises:
- If you have a flood emergency plan, use it now.
- Prepare your property (if safe to do so). This may include placing furniture and possessions up high on tables/benches, move livestock and equipment to higher ground, preparing your emergency kit and being ready to leave
- If conditions worsen and safe to do so, leave and go to the home of a family member or friend who is in a safe location away from the flood affected area.
- Contact family, friends, and neighbours to alert them of the potential for flooding.
- For flood updates, visit TasALERT.com.
