“Very dangerous thunderstorms” are moving across Tasmania this morning, with severe weather warnings now in place for the North-Western, Midlands and Southern areas.
The Bureau of Meteorology are warning people across Devonport, Burnie, Launceston, Strahan, New Norfolk and Hobart to prepare for potential flash flooding as a result of the stormy weather.
“A warm and very humid airmass ahead of a cold front is generating severe thunderstorms with heavy rainfall embedded within a broader rainband over western and northern parts of Tasmania,” the BOM say.
“Very dangerous thunderstorms are likely to produce heavy, locally intense rainfall that may lead to dangerous and life-threatening flash flooding over the next several hours in parts of the North West Coast, Central North, Central Plateau and Midlands districts.”
Deloraine and George Town are expected to be hardest hit, the BOM say.
In the 3 hours to 9:15am on Wednesday, Sheffield School Farm recorded 46.6mm while Mount Read recorded 17.8mm in the 30 minutes to 7:30am.
9:26am Wednesday, January 17: Tasmanians are being warned to take care, with a severe thunderstorm warning in place for much of the state today.
Heavy rain is already being experienced in the north of the state after wild storms in the north-west overnight.
The BOM say a “warm and very humid” cold front crossing the state is bringing the storms, ahead of a low pressure system and trough tomorrow.
Severe thunderstorms are likely to produce heavy rainfall that may lead to flash flooding in the warning area over the next several hours.
Locations which may be affected include Devonport, Burnie, Smithton, Launceston, Strahan and Queenstown.
Mount Read near Rosebery recorded 17.8mm of rainfall in just 30 minutes to 7:30am this morning.
Southwesterly winds are expected to return over Tasmania on Friday as a new high south of the Bight directs a ridge over the state.
The State Emergency Service advises that people should:
* Avoid driving, walking or riding through flood waters.
* 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.
