Parts of Tasmania are on high alert for damaging winds that could lash the state with peak gusts of over 100km/h from tonight.
A cold front approaching from the west is forecast to bring the wild weather to much of the south and west from late Saturday.
The Bureau of Meteorology (BOM) has issued a severe weather warning predicting north to northwesterly winds averaging 60km/h to 70km/h over elevated areas.
Over exposed mountain peaks above 1,000 metres, northwesterly winds are likely to average 70 to 80km/h with peak gusts up to 120km/h on Sunday morning.
“The damaging wind risk will be mainly above 700 metres elevation but potentially to lower elevations in the immediate lee of higher terrain, including Kingston and southern parts of Greater Hobart,” the Bureau says.
“High based showers may result in localised severe gusts to lower elevations.”
“Winds should ease below warning thresholds with the passage of the cold front over the west around dawn Sunday and over eastern parts by midday Sunday.”
The Bureau has warned that strong winds can cause damage to property and trees and lift unsecured items into the air.
It has advised people to stay indoors, secure loose items around the home and keep away from fallen powerlines.
