TASMANIANS have been urged to continue to prepare their properties with a third storm front with strong winds and rain expected to cross the state later today (Monday). Overnight, the Tasmanian State Emergency Service received 10 callouts after record-breaking winds up to 143km/h were reported in Strahan and up to 100km/h at Bruny Island and Low Head.
SES assistant director Leon Smith said Tasmanians had done a great job preparing for the weather over the weekend and should continue to do so. “There will be a break in the weather temporarily this morning and that is the time to check your properties once again to prepare for the next front,” he said.
“At the moment, advice from the Bureau of Meteorology means we’re expecting a series of cold fronts to cross the state today bringing more severe weather with strong and damaging winds of 50-65km/h with gusts in excess of 100k m/h likely over western and southern Tasmania, and over exposed and elevated areas. There is also a severe weather warning for abnormally high tides current for low lying areas in parts of the west and south-east.”
Inspector Kathy Bennett of Tasmania Police said motorists should drive to the conditions and with caution, particularly in low lying coastal areas such as South Arm, Lauderdale, the Sorell and Midway Point causeways this afternoon.
“If the weather is bad where you are and you don’t need to travel this afternoon, delay your plans,” she said. “As always, drive to the conditions and obey any warning signs or instructions. It is also a timely reminder for boat owners who have their vessels moored or at a marinas to ensure they are adequately secured.”
SES advises people do the following to prepare:
- Check http://www.bom.gov.au/ for the latest weather forecast and warnings.
- Bring children and pets indoors.
- Check that family and neighbours, especially those who are vulnerable, are aware of warnings and have a plan in place.
- Move outdoor furniture or toys to a secure place.
- Tie down loose items such as trampolines.
In the event of storms and heavy rainfall:
- Never enter or drive through floodwaters, and when driving look out for debris on roads including fallen trees and power lines.
- Report power outages to TasNetworks on 132 004.
- Listen to ABC radio or check www.ses.tas.gov.au for further advice.
- Call SES on 132 500 for flood and storm-related emergency assistance.
- Dial Triple Zero (000) in a life-threatening emergency.
See more Derwent Valley and Central Highlands news online and read our print edition every second Friday.
