Tasmania is bracing for a weekend of extreme weather, with meteorologists warning of destructive winds, flooding and heavy rainfall.
Meteorologist Alex Melitsis says the strongest winds are expected across the north and west of the state tonight, with gusts exceeding 125 kilometres per hour.
“These are really rare. In Tasmania, we’re very used to strong winds at this time of year, but this is quite a rare event,” he said.
“We don’t often see winds this strong.”
Melitsis said most of Tasmania will experience gusts in excess of 110 kilometres per hour tonight, with areas in the north, west and far south likely to see destructive gusts of over 125 kilometres per hour.
“The winds have eased a little bit today. However, we are expecting the strongest winds to redevelop later this afternoon and into this evening,” he said.
“So it’s really important that people understand that the winds tonight, particularly in the north and the west, are going to be quite dangerous and rare.”
State Emergency Service Executive Director Mick Lowe said the SES has received over 160 calls for assistance since Wednesday, 60 of which have been made since 6pm on Friday.
“We really ask people to continue to monitor the conditions and make good decisions,” he said.
“We ask the community to prepare their homes for high winds, secure outdoor items and be aware of downed trees and downed power lines.”
Premier Jeremy Rockliff says thousands of homes are currently without power and that number is likely to grow in the coming hours.
“My message to Tasmanians is please heed the warnings,” he said.
Tasmanian Emergency Minister Felix Ellis has thanked the state’s first responders and is urging people to take precautions.
“Make sure that you’re driving to conditions and staying out of floodwaters,” he said.
“Be aware of the potential for fallen debris and follow all instructions and road signs from emergency services. They are there to keep you safe.
Since midday yesterday and midday today, Tasmania Police have responded to 15 traffic crashes, 33 reports of trees across the road and 38 reports of water or other hazards across the road.
