Around 1,200 households have been left without power across Tasmania tonight as wild weather lashes the state.
Close to 900 customers in the North near Deloraine are currently without power, along with 131 in the Gardners Bay area and 26 near Bothwell.
Other outages are also affecting homes and business in Lemont, Golden Valley and Marrawah.
TasNetworks say adverse weather, fallen trees and downed wires are the main reasons for the outages.
Power is expected to be restored to some northern homes in the early hours of Sunday morning, while other outages may remain unfixed for some time, with ‘long delays’ predicted.
Lightning sparks severe thunderstorm warning in Tasmania’s north
The Bureau of Meteorology has issued a severe thunderstorm warning for heavy rainfall for people in parts Tasmania’s north tonight.
The BOM expect severe thunderstorms will hit the Western, North West Coast and Central Plateau forecast districts, including Sheffield, Deloraine and Lake St Clair, on Saturday night.
They say they are likely to produce heavy rainfall that may lead to flash flooding over the coming hours.
SES Assistant Director Leon Smith is urging Tasmanians “not to be complacent” as the storm moves over the state tonight.
“Hobart locals will recall significant rainfall events over recent years that resulted in flash flooding of waterways such as the New Town Rivulet, causing hazardous conditions on Risdon Road and [the] Brooker Highway,” Smith said.
“This is the type of impact we should be prepared for, with heavy rainfall tonight and into Sunday morning.”
“SES has issued advice warnings (Monitor Conditions) for the East Coast and Hobart and Surrounds to alert people travelling in those areas of the potential risks of heavy rainfall and flash flooding.”
“Anyone travelling on wet roads should drive to the conditions, consciously change their behaviour and be mindful of changes of conditions.”
“We will continue to monitor conditions, issue warnings and respond to any requests for assistance that are received.”
SES WHAT TO DO
- Avoid driving, walking or riding through flood waters
- Seek shelter, preferably indoors and never under trees
- Avoid using the telephone during a thunderstorm
- Beware of fallen trees and powerlines
- For emergency assistance contact the SES on 132500
