Tasmania SES is urging people in southern and northern Tasmania to monitor weather conditions closely, with flood Watch and Act and Advice Warnings currently in place for the Huon River as well as a Severe Weather Warning for Damaging Winds in the North East and East Coast districts.
Executive Director of Tasmania SES, Michael Lowe says continuous showers in the west and far south has resulted in river and creek levels rising.
“Tasmania SES has issued a Watch and Act Warning for Southwest, Lonnavale, Geeveston and surrounds and a Flood Advice Warning for Judbury, Ranelagh, Huonville, Glen Huon, Woodstock, Cradoc, Glaziers Bay, Franklin, Castle Forbes Bay, Port Huon and surrounds.
“Rivers and creeks in the Huon area are predicted to continue to rise into the afternoon before easing over the coming days.
“If you live in the Huon River area you should monitor conditions and prepare now.
“If you have a flood emergency plan you should check it, so you know what to do if a flood occurs.
“People are encouraged to stay up to date with the latest SES Flood Warnings by monitoring TasALERT.com.
“A severe weather warning has also been issued by the Bureau of Meteorology forecasting damaging winds in the Furneaux Islands, North-East and part of the East Coast from mid-late afternoon today.
“Tasmania SES are working closely with the Bureau of Meteorology monitoring weather forecasts, and we’re calling on the community to prepare and be safe during periods of damaging winds.
“We have SES volunteer crews prepared and ready to respond to incidents if needed and I encourage everyone to be aware of the weather forecast in their area and to take steps to keep safe.
“Anyone planning on venturing into alpine areas is advised there is potential of snow to around 700 metres about western and central Tasmania overnight, and they should reconsider bushwalking in these conditions.”
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.
For SES assistance, visit www.ses.tas.gov.au or phone 132 500.
In an emergency, phone Triple Zero (000).
