Media release – State Emergency Services, 5 August 2020
SES requests for assistance overnight
State Emergency Service crews across northern and southern Tasmania have responded to 48 requests for assistance overnight.
“Our volunteers in the south responded to incidents relating to roof damage and water inundation in homes from ground level and through ceilings. SES also assisted Tasmania Police with road closures and traffic control,” said Assistant Director Leon Smith.
“In the north SES assisted with snow on the roads, water inundation through roofs due to snow melt, and some wind damage.
“The conditions proved challenging for responding crews, with snow and ice preventing crews from working at heights.
Requests for assistance were received from people in Greater Launceston, Gardners Bay, towns in the Southern Midlands, the northern suburbs of Hobart and Rokeby.
“We would take this opportunity to remind Tasmanians that there are proactive steps they can take to keep themselves safe when weather warnings relating to wind and heavy rainfall are issued. These include clearing gutters of debris and tying down any
loose items outside.
“When there is a non-life-threatening flood or storm emergency, SES can be contacted to assist,” he said.
SES advises that people should do the following to prepare for severe weather:
• Clear drains and gutters of debris so they flow freely
• Secure outdoor items including furniture and play equipment
• Beware of fallen trees and power lines
• Monitor conditions and move stock and equipment from low-lying paddocks as required
• Check that family and neighbours are aware of warnings
• Never enter floodwater or drive on flooded roads – it only takes 15cm of water to float a car
• Be aware of debris on roads after flooding has subsided
• Visit www.ses.tas.gov.au for further preparation advice
• Listen to ABC Local Radio for updates in an emergency
• Keep up to date with the latest weather warnings at www.bom.gov.au/tas
If your life is in danger call triple zero. If you need emergency assistance from the SES, call 132 500.
Current as at Wed 5 August 10:40am
The following roads are currently CLOSED:
SOUTH:
- Collinsvale Road from Collinsvale to Berridale.
- Ford Road, Pontville.
- Highland Lakes Road at Haulage Hill.
- Lake Dobson Road, Westerway.
- Lyell Highway from Derwent Bridge to Queenstown.
- Lyell Highway from Tarraleah to Mt Arrowsmith.
- Marlborough Road between Bronte and Miena.
- Pelham Road from Between Thousand Acre Lane and Clifton Vale Road (Elderslie).
- Pinnacle Road, Mount Wellington at Bracken Lane.
- Englewood Road, Oatlands between properties Ashgrove and Dalmeny Park.
NORTH:
- Dublin Town Road, St Mary’s.
- Gunns Road, Mathinna.
- Lake Leake Road between Campbell Town and Swansea.
- Lilydale Road from Rocherlea to Lilydale
The following roads are only open to 4WD vehicles:
- Belvoir Road and Cradle Mountain Road between Murchison and Lowina – Extreme caution to be taken
- East Bagdad Road (the entire length) is only accessible to 4WD.
- Gordon River Road – West of Maydena.
- Haulage Road, off Highlands Lake Road
- Molesworth Road from Lyell Highway to Glenlusk.
- Mud Walls Road from Colebrook to Midland Highway.
- Nugent Road – Buckland to Sorell
- Tasman Highway between Waverly and the top of the Sideling past Nunamara
- Woodbridge Hill Road. 4WD only (low range – please be aware of abandoned vehicles in this area)
Media release – Mark Shelton, Minister for Police, Fire and Emergency Management, 5 August 2020
Drive to the conditions
The Tasmanian Government would like to thank our hardworking emergency service workers, volunteers and road clearing contractors who have worked many hours in freezing conditions to help keep Tasmanians safe.
This includes assisting more than 40 vehicles stranded in hazardous conditions at Spring Hill and 10 vehicles at Bust Me Gall on the Tasman Highway.
With many roads still closed across the state due to snow and hazardous conditions this morning, motorists are being urged to:
- Slow down and drive to the conditions;
- Be alert for ice, trees and debris on the roads;
- Obey road closures signs;
- Put headlights on if visibility is reduced; and
- Leave plenty of space between you and the vehicle in front of you.
Importantly, Tasmanian motorists should check the Community Alerts section on the Tasmania Police website for road closures prior to traveling https://www.police.tas.gov.au/community-alerts/
Bureau of Meteorology Severe Weather Warning, Issued at 11:03 am Wednesday, 5 August 2020.
for DAMAGING WINDS For people in parts of South East, North East and East Coast Forecast Districts
DAMAGING SOUTHERLY WINDS ABOUT EAST TASMANIA TODAY
Weather Situation: A low pressure centre close to the east coast of Tasmania is directing a strong south to southeasterly airstream over parts of the east of the state. The airstream tends more south to southwesterly during the day.
DAMAGING SOUTHERLY WINDS, averaging 60 to 70 km/h with peak gusts of 90 to 100 km/h, are expected about parts of the east coast of Tasmania, and in the lee of the Central Plateau. Damaging winds are expected to clear the area later this afternoon.
Locations which may be affected include St Helens, Swansea, Orford and Scamander.
Severe weather is no longer occurring in the North West Coast, Central North, Central Plateau and Midlands districts and the warning for these districts is CANCELLED.
In the past 6 hours the follow wind gusts have been observed: 100 km/h Maria Island, 98 km/h Tasman Island.
The State Emergency Service advises that people should:
* Supervise children closely.
* Check that family and neighbours are aware of warnings.
* Manage pets and livestock.
* Secure outdoor items including furniture and play equipment.
* Be prepared in case of power outages and report any outages to TasNetworks on 132 004.
* Beware of damaged trees and power lines and take care when driving.
* Listen to the ABC radio or check www.ses.tas.gov.au for further advice.
* For emergency assistance contact the SES on 132500.
