Severe thunderstorms are sweeping across northern Tasmania this morning, with damaging winds expected to hit Devonport and surrounding areas.
The Bureau of Meteorology has issued a severe thunderstorm warning for Thursday, covering parts of the north-west coast and central north.
“Strong flow and instability in northwesterly flow ahead of an approaching cold front is producing a line of severe thunderstorms across northern Tasmania this morning,” the bureau said.
The storms are moving “rapidly eastwards” from Burnie through to Devonport.
Damaging winds remain the main concern, with locations including Devonport, Burnie, George Town and Ulverstone in the firing line.
The bureau warns the severe thunderstorms are likely to produce damaging winds across the warning area for several more hours.
Residents are being urged to secure loose outdoor items, move vehicles under cover where possible and stay indoors and away from windows as the storms approach.
The SES is also reminding people not to shelter under trees and to keep clear of fallen power lines.
This morning’s warning comes as Tasmania braces for an even stronger weather system on Friday.
A vigorous cold front is expected to bring widespread damaging winds across nearly the entire state tomorrow, with gusts of up to 120km/h forecast in exposed areas.
Conditions should ease by Friday evening, the bureau says.
