Tasmanians are being urged to secure outdoor items and prepare for possible power outages as damaging winds are set to sweep across the state from late Monday afternoon.
The Bureau of Meteorology has issued a severe weather warning for much of Tasmania, with strong to damaging winds expected to develop over western and central areas before extending to eastern and southern regions, including Hobart, tonight.
Wind speeds of 55 to 65km/h with peak gusts around 100km/h are forecast, while exposed elevated areas could experience gusts reaching up to 120km/h.
The conditions are being caused by a “cold front embedded in a vigorous northwesterly airstream” crossing the state overnight.
“Winds are expected to increase ahead of and with the passage of the front, bringing the risk of damaging winds across western and central parts of the state from late this afternoon, particularly in showers and thunderstorms,” the Bureau said.
“This risk of damaging winds extends to eastern and southern parts of the state during the late evening and continues into Tuesday morning.”
“Damaging winds are expected to ease below warning thresholds during Tuesday morning, but winds are likely to remain gusty throughout most of the day.”
Areas that may be affected include Swansea, Bicheno, Strahan, Queenstown, New Norfolk, Bothwell, Hobart, Geeveston and Dover.
