A severe weather warning is in effect for all of Tasmania as the state braces for widespread damaging winds up to 110km/h and the risk of localised destructive gusts over 125km/h on Friday.

The Bureau of Meteorology has issued the warning for widespread damaging northwesterly winds expected to develop across the entire state Friday morning. Of greatest concern are parts of the north, west, and Bass Strait Islands, including Devonport and Burnie, where isolated destructive winds above 125km/h are possible early Friday as a squally cold front moves through.

Tasmania SES Acting Assistant Director Operations and Resources Chris Irvine said while the severity of this weather event was not unprecedented for spring in Tasmania, the warning of damaging and destructive winds should be taken seriously.

“The damaging winds that are forecast for Friday are for a longer sustained period and across a more widespread area than we experienced earlier in the week in the state,” he said.

“The potentially destructive winds forecast on the West and the North coasts are a higher level of damaging potential again.

“We are urging people to prepare for damaging wind statewide and the potential for locally destructive winds about the west and north, by securing loose items around their homes and properties and by making sure their home is as ready for a wind event as possible,” he said.

“People should also take all precautions for their own personal safety, and that may include reconsidering travel, staying indoors where possible and being aware of the potential for falling trees and branches.”

SES Issues Urgent Safety Message

The SES is urging all Tasmanians to take immediate steps to secure their properties and ensure personal safety.

Key Preparations:

Secure or put away loose items around homes and properties, such as trampolines, furniture and garden tools.
Reconsider travel plans for Friday.
Stay indoors where possible.
Be aware of the potential for falling trees and branches.

Minor to Moderate Flooding Likely

Compounding the wind threat, heavy rainfall is expected to cause river level rises from Thursday evening, leading to possible minor flooding across the state on Friday and Saturday.

A flood watch is current for catchments in the west, north, south and parts of the north-east. Widespread minor flooding is anticipated, particularly in the River Derwent, Huon, Meander and north Esk catchments. Isolated moderate flooding may also occur in these areas if rainfall totals are high.

Winds are forecast to ease below severe weather warning thresholds later Friday and early Saturday, though fresh and gusty winds (60km/h to 80km/h) will continue through much of Saturday.

Residents are advised to monitor conditions continually and keep up to date with warnings on TasALERT.com and ABC local radio.

SES crews are ready to help.

For assistance, phone 132 500. For life-threatening emergencies, always phone Triple Zero (000).