Tasmania is bracing for a multi-pronged blast of severe winter weather, with flood advice issued for northern river catchments and a frigid polar front expected to bring low-level snow to the south by the weekend.
The Tasmania SES has issued “Flood Advice – Monitor conditions” for several communities, including Fingal, Avoca, and Cressy. This follows the Bureau of Meteorology issuing minor flood warnings for the South Esk and Macquarie Rivers after moderate rainfall over the past few days. According to the Bureau, the South Esk River at Fingal was rising on Wednesday and could reach the minor flood level by Wednesday evening, with further rain forecast. The SES has advised residents in low-lying areas that flooding is likely and some properties may become isolated.
This comes as forecasters at Weatherzone report a “strong, dynamic cold front” is moving towards the state, bringing a surge of “frigid polar air” that will be felt most acutely on Saturday. The weather service predicts this will drop the snow level to as low as 400 metres in southern Tasmania by the weekend, meaning some of Hobart’s highest suburbs could see snowflakes. A significant covering of snow on kunanyi/Mount Wellington is highly likely, according to the forecast.
The impending cold snap follows an unseasonably mild and wet end to June across the state.
Tasmania Police is urging motorists to drive to the conditions, which can change without notice. As of Wednesday afternoon, police reported several road closures due to water, including sections of Bridle Track Road and Gunns Plain Road. They advise drivers to check the latest road closure information before travelling.
The original ABC News report highlighted the “cold, wintry conditions” on the way for the state. Official advice from the SES directs residents to monitor conditions and check emergency plans. For official updates, Tasmanians can visit the TasAlert and Bureau of Meteorology websites.