Media release – Bureau of Meteorology, 3 February 2021
Wet Friday and Saturday brings flood risk to north
• Tasmania is heading for wet weather with potentially heavy falls in the north of the state during Friday night and Saturday morning bringing a possibility of flooding to already wet catchments.
• Rainfall totals of 50-70 mm are forecast over the 24 hours ending midday Saturday in the north of Tasmania, with falls of 100-150 mm possible about elevated parts.
• The south of the state is forecast to receive 10-30 mm in the same time period.
• Rain will develop from the northwest during Friday and mostly clear from the east during Saturday morning, however the heaviest rainfall is expected to be during Friday evening and early Saturday.
• Isolated thunderstorms are likely within this rain band and provide further risk of increased rainfall.
• A Severe Weather Warning for heavy rainfall that may lead to flash flooding in the north will likely be issued on Thursday.
• Catchments in the north are relatively wet after recent rainfall and rivers will be responsive to forecast rainfall. Widespread riverine flooding is possible and a Flood Watch will likely be issued on Thursday.
• A Road Weather Alert is also likely be issued due to water over roads.
• People travelling over the long weekend, especially those in unfamiliar areas, should pay attention to any warnings from the Bureau and follow advice of emergency services.
• The wet weather is due to a complex low pressure system that will develop to the northwest of Tasmania and bring a band of tropical moisture over Tasmania during Friday and early Saturday.
All Tasmania warnings are updated regularly at: www.bom.gov.au/tas/warnings/
