Issued at 4:55pm on Thursday 16 April 2026 CLICK HERE FOR THE LATEST UPDATE.
Damaging winds developing over parts of Tasmania this evening, including Hobart.
Weather Situation: A cold front has swept across the state this afternoon, generating a vigorous westerly flow. As the front moves further into the Tasman Sea on Friday, winds are expected to tend southwesterly before easing throughout on Saturday morning.
For the FURNEAUX ISLANDS: DAMAGING WESTERLY WINDS averaging 60 to 70 km/h with peak gusts around 90 km/h are likely to develop for a brief period on Thursday evening.
For the SOUTHEAST including HOBART: DAMAGING WESTERLY WINDS averaging 60 to 70 km/h are likely to develop over higher terrain, with wind gusts to 100 km/h possible over lower lying areas from early this evening. DAMAGING SOUTHWESTERLY WINDS with peak gusts around 100 km/h are likely to develop about the Tasman Peninsula and Maria Island from Friday morning.
For the WESTERN TIERS: DAMAGING SOUTH TO SOUTHWESTERLY WINDS averaging 60 to 70 km/h with peak gusts around 100 km/h are likely to develop over Friday afternoon and evening.
The risk of damaging winds has now eased for the northeast coast. Winds are expected to ease below warning thresholds over the Furneaux Islands later this evening, over Hobart and much of the southeast on Friday morning, but continuing along the far southern coastline and islands until Friday evening. Damaging winds are expected to persist about the Western Tiers into Saturday morning, before easing.
Locations which may be affected include Hobart, Whitemark, Geeveston, Dover and Huonville.
Severe weather is no longer occurring in the North East district and the warning for this district is CANCELLED.
Safety advice
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.
Check https://www.bom.gov.au/weather-and-climate/warnings-and-alerts. Warnings are also available through TV and Radio broadcasts or call 1300 659 210. The Bureau and State Emergency Service would appreciate warnings being broadcast regularly.
The next Severe Weather Warning will be issued by 11pm, Thursday, April 16. CLICK HERE FOR THE LATEST UPDATE.
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