Tasmanians are being urged to prepare for minor flooding this week, with already saturated river systems expected to rise quickly as heavy rain sets in.
The Bureau of Meteorology issued a flood watch on Monday for 18 major catchments, including the Derwent, Huon and Gordon–Franklin rivers.
A low-pressure system moving in from the west will bring widespread showers and rain from Tuesday into Wednesday.
The system is forecast to track south of the state before clearing on Thursday.
“Catchments are wet and will respond quickly to rainfall,” the bureau said.
“There is some uncertainty in the position of the low and consequently the location of the most significant river rises.”
River levels are expected to climb from late Tuesday, with northern and north-eastern areas facing the first risk.
Southern and south-eastern catchments are likely to follow on Wednesday.
The warning covers major population centres along the Derwent River through Hobart, as well as remote areas including King Island and the state’s west coast.
The system is forecast to bring moderate to heavy rain at times, with the chance of thunderstorms.
