Several schools across Tasmania have been forced to close due to severe weather conditions, with high winds and heavy rainfall impacting parts of the state.
Glenora District School, Wilmot Primary School, Forest Primary School, St James Catholic College in Cygnet and St Brigid’s Catholic School in New Norfolk are all shut for the day.
In the north-west, Stanley Primary School is without power but is remaining open, with students told they can wear non-school uniforms to stay warm.
Tasmania State Emergency Service (SES) Executive Director Mick Lowe said the service received 347 requests for help in the 12 hours to 5am on Monday.
57 call were from the south, 207 the north and 83 in the north-west.
“Over the next 24 hours, we are expecting weather conditions to ease across the state, however the risk of damage and flooding has not passed,” he said.
“Peak wind gusts overnight reached 157/kmh at King Island Airport and 130/kmh at Launceston Airport.”
“Widespread rainfall of 35-45mm was experienced over much of the west, increased rainfall of 30-40mm reported about high ground in the north-east and falls over the Derwent and Huon catchments less than anticipated, but in the range of 10-25mm.”
Over 20 warnings remain in place, including an Emergency Warning to Evacuate Now for the Derwent River area from Meadowbank to Macquarie Plains and Styx River from Bushy Park to Macquarie Plains.
“Two evacuation centres remain open, one at the Derwent Valley Sport and Recreation Centre on Derwent Terrace in New Norfolk and another at the Memorial Hall in Circle Street.”
