Wild weather including rain, snow and damaging winds of up to 110km/h are forecast to hit parts of Tasmania from late Sunday afternoon and into Monday morning.
The Bureau of Meteorology (BOM) has issued a severe weather warning for strong to damaging south to southwesterly winds as a low-pressure system approaches the state.
The Western Tiers, elevated terrain in the north-east and their immediate lee slopes are expected to see average wind speeds of 60 to 70km/h and peak gusts up to 110km/h from early Sunday evening.
The exposed coasts and islands in the southeast are also likely to experience damaging winds from late Sunday afternoon, with average speeds of 60 to 70km/h and gusts of up to 100km/h.
The winds are likely to continue through into Monday morning.
“A strengthening low pressure system well to the north-east of the state in the Tasman Sea is slowly approaching during Sunday,” the BOM said.
“This will increase the south to southwesterly pressure gradient over the state and bring areas of strong to damaging winds initially about the southeast coast from late Sunday afternoon and also to the Western Tiers, elevated terrain in the northeast and their immediate lee slopes which will continue overnight and into Monday morning.”
The State Emergency Service (SES) has warned residents in affected areas to prepare for potential power outages and damage to property.
“Secure outdoor items including furniture and play equipment,” the SES advises.
“Beware of damaged trees and power lines and take care when driving.”
Forecast for Tasmania
Forecast for the rest of Saturday
Showers about the west and far south, falling as snow above 800 metres. Partly cloudy elsewhere with possible morning frost. West to southwesterly winds.
Sunday 14 July
Showers about the east, south, and west coasts, extending mostly to eastern, central and southern districts during the day, then increasing to rain about the east and southeast during the evening. Showers falling as snow above 800 metres until late afternoon. Fine otherwise, with areas of morning frost. Southerly winds, tending southeasterly during the day and becoming fresh about the east and south.
Monday 15 July
Rain about the south and east, tending to showers elsewhere. Fresh and gusty southeast to southwesterly winds.
Tuesday 16 July
Showers, mainly about the south and east, easing during the afternoon and evening. Showers falling as snow above 900 metres during the evening. South to southeasterly winds.
