Police say they are responding to an increase in calls across north-west Tasmania as windy weather conditions reportedly down trees and power lines throughout the region.
Authorities have issued warnings to motorists, particularly on rural roads, who may encounter fallen trees without warning as winds batter the state.
“For those incidents already reported to police, the relevant agencies have been tasked to remove hazards,” a police spokesperson said.
Wind gusts exceeding 80 km/h have been recorded at multiple locations in the north-west, with Kennaook/Cape Grim experiencing gusts up to 89 km/h at 11:03am, followed by Smithton with 83 km/h at 1pm and Devonport Airport with 82 km/h at 12:07pm.
The Bureau of Meteorology reported the most extreme conditions at Maatsuyker Island in the state’s south-west, where wind gusts reached 145 km/h at 3:09am this morning.
A cold front crossing the state has brought showers extending statewide, with possible thunderstorms and small hail expected about the west and far south.
By evening, snow is forecast to fall above 700 metres in western and southern regions.
Weather conditions are expected to ease gradually, with showers about the west and south on Monday but mainly fine elsewhere.
Fresh and gusty west to southwesterly winds are expected to ease on Monday evening.
