BOM SEVERE WEATHER WARNING – DAMAGING WINDS | 3 December

For people in Furneaux Islands, Western, Upper Derwent Valley, South East, North East, North West Coast, Central Plateau, Midlands and parts of East Coast and Central North Forecast Districts.

DAMAGING WESTERLY WINDS DURING TUESDAY AFTERNOON

Weather Situation: A cold, strong and gusty west to southwesterly airstream will flow across Tasmania today, with the strongest winds expected this afternoon.

DAMAGING WESTERLY WINDS, averaging 50 to 60 km/h with peak gusts of 90 to 100 km/h, are possible from midday today across southern, western and central Tasmania, as well as parts of the east.

Winds are expected to ease early this evening.

Locations which may be affected include Devonport, Burnie, Strahan, Queenstown, New Norfolk, Bothwell, Hobart, Geeveston and Dover.

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.

The next Severe Weather Warning will be issued by 5:00 pm AEDT Tuesday.

Warnings are also available through TV and Radio broadcasts, the Bureau’s website at www.bom.gov.au or call 1300 659 210. The Bureau and State Emergency Service would appreciate warnings being broadcast regularly.