Very windy conditions across Tasmania easing during Wednesday

• A Severe Weather Warning is current for damaging winds for most of Tasmania, though winds have eased in the southeast.
• Damaging northwesterly winds averaging 60 to 70 km/h are expected with peak gusts around 100 to 110 km/h likely to continue across much of Tasmania this morning and early afternoon.
• A Severe Weather Warning for abnormally high tides along the north coast, east of Devonport, is current for Wednesday. A high tide between 2:30pm and 3:30pm will coincide with a strong onshore flow, resulting in possible inundation and coastal erosion.
• Strongest wind gusts observed to 10am include: 163 km/h at Maatsuyker Island 131 km/h at kunanyi/Mt Wellington 113 km/h at Strahan (highest daily wind gust record for August) 107 km/h at Wynyard (highest gust since 2005) 98 km/h at Cressy (highest daily wind gust record for August) and King Island 96 km/h at Grove (highest daily wind gust record for August) 93 km/h at Hobart
• The very windy conditions are caused by a deep low passing to the south of Tasmania during Wednesday and the passage of a cold front earlier this morning. Winds are expected to ease during the afternoon and evening.
• Rainfall totals of 10-20mm have fallen in the west and southwest, with a further 10-30mm expected during Wednesday. River rises are expected and minor flooding is possible at some locations. A Minor Flood Warning is current for the River Derwent. • Saturated soils in northern and western Tasmania may make trees more susceptible to falling in strong winds.
• Marine wind warnings are current for all coastal waters, southeast inshore waters and the lakes.
• Warnings are updated daily at: www.bom.gov.au/tas/warnings/.
Rachel McInerney acting Supervising Meteorologist Tasmania and Antarctica Office Bureau of Meteorology