Emergency alerts: https://alert.tas.gov.au

Bureau of Meteorology warnings for Tasmania: http://www.bom.gov.au/tas/warnings/

Evacuation alerts have been issued for areas likely to be affected by floodwaters from Redwater Creek and the Mersey River.

Flood evacuation centres are being set up at:

Railton Green Shed, Crocker Street

Latrobe Memorial Hall, Latrobe

Ulverstone Recreation Centre

Launceston City Council Town Hall

Deloraine Community Centre

Some of these are open now and some will open later.

The State Emergency Services say floodwaters are expected to enter certain properties and they are attempting to notify residents likely to be affected.

Flood watch-and-act alerts have been issued for another five rivers and catchments: Forth River; Meander River; Western Creek, Dampers Creek, Mole Creek and Lobster Rivulet; Leven River; North Esk River.

The Tasmanian Government is advising postponement or cancellation of all non-essential travel in north and north-west Tasmania.

There is also a warning of possible power outages.

Port of Devonport to close

Meanwhile TasPorts have announced that commercial shipping operations will be suspended at the Port of Devonport from midday Thursday due to modelling advice that predicts severe flooding conditions. Four sailings of the Spirit of Tasmania have been cancelled.

The direction to suspend operations at the port was made by the Tasmanian Harbour Master given current severe weather warnings issued by the Bureau of Meteorology.

In acknowledging the direction, TasPorts chief operating officer Stephen Casey said the company’s priority was the safety of port users, vessels and port infrastructure.

“The bureau is forecasting conditions similar to what was experienced in 2016 when a major flooding event in the catchment caused significant disruption to port operations,” he said. “The port was closed indefinitely during this flooding event when the Mersey River filled with debris.”

Casey said TasPorts had communicated directly with its customers following the Harbour Master’s direction and would continue to actively monitor the situation.

“TasPorts is prepared for any emergency support and recovery operations that may be required,” he said.

“Planning is a critical form of risk mitigation, and the Devonport port users have been very supportive with their preparations for the suspension of operations.”

Harbour Master’s direction will be in place until Sunday (16 October) when the weather conditions are expected to ease.